The Indians are hoping to lock down that elusive winning season and present a bigger challenge to Colonial Division powers like Shippensburg and Greencastle-Antrim. The climb won't be easy. Below is their Countdown to Kickoff preview.
School Name: Waynesboro Indians
Coach: Scott Shacreaw
Last Year: 3-7, 2-5 Colonial
Last 5 Years: 14-36
Returning Starters: 3 on offense, 3 on defense
Key Players: OL-DL Zach Stumbaugh; LB-RB Mike Kassman; RB-LB Alex Cline; OL-DL Kenny Baker; RB-DB Brett Mohn; WR-S Austin Hanshew; OL-DL TJ Bibbs; LB-TE Patrick Wade; QB Nathan Toney; CB-WR Todd Riddell.
Offense Overview: Just 165 points were manufactured a season ago, and that's with 1,000-yard rusher Johnnie Adgers in the fold. Adgers, of course, is now kicking it at Valley Forge Military Academy, so there's a good chance returning RB Brett Mohn and QB Nathan Toney will handle the rock. A lot. Having versatile Alex Cline back in pads after a two-year hiatus will help. Toney completed just 9 of 24 attempts, but the potential is there to create a connection with both Austin Hanshew and Todd Riddell is there. Shacreaw knows his offensive line will determine the success of those guys above. Two-way standout and three-year starter Zach Stumbaugh will steer that ship.
{% embed_image 'http://hssn-media.advance.net/PennLive.com/news/d48a1e0ad4b16b0b890fcdbc881ab317/13208374-standard.jpg' %}Defense Overview: What we're about to discuss will sting but it's necessary. The Indians were pushed around by the Colonial heavyweights in 2012. That's not a knock on Waynesboro's pluck, but the enemies were stronger and earned yards by the bucket full. Now, we're on record saying Shacreaw's 4-3 scheme will fire more efficiently with steady LB Mike Kassman calling the shots and teammates like Cline and Patrick Wade chiming in. One must is a more productive first step down low, and that will come from Carlisle transfer Kenny Baker, Matt Paterno and others. This is a good group that's eager to lower that 31.3 points per game surrendered a season ago.
Biggest Game: October 25 vs. Greencastle-Antrim
More Waynesboro Indians:2013 schedule | 2013 roster
EPLER'S CRYSTAL BALL: Frankly, Waynesboro is growing weary of simply tipping its cap during postgame hand shakes. It's understandable. The last winning season for the program keeps getting smaller and smaller in the rear-view mirror. With that, it gets more difficult to focus on the bigger picture. Knowing Shacreaw, the gang will continue to compete, and there's enough push to equal or better last year's win total. But the first step has to come from the Indians defense. Shacreaw and his new cast of assistant coaches – offensive coordinator Steve Myers comes up from North Hagerstown (Md.), James D'Annibale takes over the defensive line, etc. – knows it. That's what G-A and Shippensburg have done to earn top billing in recent years.
More:Complete Countdown to Camp coverage
Epler on Twitter: @threejacker
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