2016 Basic Football Capsule

BASIC

League: Class 4A Southeast

Head coach: Jeff Cahill, ninth season (56-34)

2015 record: 10-2 (4-0 Southeast League, first)

Returning lettermen: 18

Returning starters: Three offense, zero defense

Base offensive set: Spread

Base defensive set: 3-3-5

Top offensive players: QB Aaron McAllister (Sr.); WR DeShawn Eagles (Sr.); WR Frank Harris (Sr.)

Top defensive players: MLB Toby Horneck (Sr.); S Jordan Gallegos (Jr.); DT Richard Schmidt (Sr.)

Key losses: QB Aeneas McAllister; LB Teyjean Thomas; CB Brian Evans

Outlook: The Wolves made a run to the Sunrise Region final last season, but took huge graduation hits, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

Defensive experience was a strength for Basic last season, but the Wolves must replace its entire starting lineup. It will be difficult to replace that experience and production, and Sunrise Region Defensive MVP Thomas (114 tackles, 7 sacks), will leave a huge hole.

Things look a little better on offense, but the team still must replace its leading passer, top two rushers and top receiver.

Aaron McAllister will step in for older brother Aeneas at quarterback. He got some good experience last fall when Aeneas was injured, and started the Sunrise Region title game with his older brother lining up at receiver. Aaron McAllister completed 55.1 percent of his passes for 555 yards and four TDs.

The 6-foot-4-inch Eagles (23 catches, 302 yards) and the 6-3 Harris (20 catches, 322 yards) give him a pair of big, athletic targets.

The Southeast League looks strong, and the young defense will need to play well for the Wolves to make another playoff run.

“We should have an explosive offense,” Cahill said. “We need to rebuild the defense.”