GAC Blue
Atherton
Nickname: Wolverines
Coach: Jared Noel
2012 Record: 1-8
Players lost: Demarko Morgan, Rasheed Millhouse
Players returning: Ernesto Felton, Devin Stadfeld, Joey Curran
Notes: The Wolverines are looking to bounce back from a one-win season. Shoring up the defense will be the main concern heading into the season.
Bendle
Nickname: Tigers
Coach: Mark Chapman
2012 Record: 7-3
Player lost: David Younger-Dean
Players returning: Dion Reed, Alex Richmond, Sam Lyden, Josh Mikesell, Tevin Pully, John Pike, Alex Krajniack
Coach’s comment: “Obviously the league is very tough. New Lothrop has a very strong program and others like Byron, as well. We plan to compete hard for the title.”
Bentley
Nickname: Bulldogs
Coach: Ryan Tomaselli
2012 Record: 2-7
Players lost: Chance Wesner, Quentin Sterling
Players returning: Gage Connor, Austin Nickles, Kenny Pilarski
Notes: It’s been five years since the Bulldogs posted a winning season. They have their work cut out for them, but they could get out of the gate quickly, and a 4-0 start to the season is not out of the question.
Byron
Nickname: Eagles
Coach: Dave Richardson
2012 Record: 8-2
Players lost: Hunter Taylor, Jordan Coffey
Players returning: Dustin Blom, Joel Lanning, Andy Wiggins, Hunter Dalianis-Turner, Nathan Philburn
Coach’s comment: “Our offensive line will be above average, and this will help with our balanced running game and passing offense.”
Hamady
Nickname: Hawks
Coach: Gary Lee
2012 Record: 7-4
Players lost: Sal Williams, Russell Wright, Fred Luster
Notes: The Hawks returned to the playoffs last year after a five-year absence. To make it back for a second straight season, a number of newcomers must step up.
Genesee
Nickname: Wolves
Coach: Steve Vergurg
2012 Record: 5-4
Players lost: Caleb Potter, Justin Turner
Players returning: Derek Hopper, Phillip Jones
Notes: The Wolves have posted winning seasons four of the past five years but are looking to make it to the playoffs for the first time in three years.
Morrice
Nickname: Orioles
Coach: Brad Long
2012 Record: 4-5
Players lost: Andrew Dixon, Nate Hart, Josh Stambaugh
Players returning: Connor Green, Mark Copeland, Joe Gutting, Hayden Jackson, Connor Riley
Notes: The Orioles won four games last season, the most they have totaled since making the playoffs in 2006. With a number of key returnees back, they will be looking to post a winning season this fall.