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Coming into the season the Bellwood-Antis football team has high expectations, which include winning a championship.

”To have a successful season and reclaim the ICC title,” said senior Zach Taylor, starting tight end and outside linebacker.

This goal may be hard to reach though. The top four rushers on the team are all graduated and there are some big shoes to fill both offensively and defensively. But Devin Burr, Jacob McCaulley, Sawyer Kline, and Duke Brunner all looked good in their chances to run the ball last year.

Also, the Blue Devils are returning a key piece to their team in senior quarterback Jake Burch, a four-year varsity player. Burch was one of the best quarterbacks in Inter-County Conference last year, and you can bet he will be one of the top again. He finished last year with over 1,000 passing yards and nine touchdowns.

With all underclassmen on the starting line, including 2 returning starters in Jarryd Kissell and Chris Wertman, you can expect Burch to be well protected, as well. Burch also has a top target returning from last year in starting junior split end Ethan McGee. McGee had 164 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns last year.

There is also a lot of talent returning on the defensive side of the ball. Expect the defense to be led by senior Jacob McCaulley, starting at inside linebacker.

“I hope to get 100 tackles and 1,000 rushings yards this year,” said McCaulley, who will also start at fullback.

The Devils will be competitive on both sides of the ball. They have a good chance to win the ICC, but they may be too young to make a deep playoff run.

Be cautiously optimistic with the Blue Devils this year.