Back are seniors Jacob Jasper, J.J. Kitko, Brent Kuhn, Colton Leyo, Avery LeMaster, Shane McMurray and Josh Potutschnig, along with juniors Austen Clarkson, Seth Dudurich, Cory Johnston, Ryan Pringle, Baine Seilhamer and Tim Williams. Sophomore Colt Bickford is the lone freshman to letter back from last season.

Braniff is expecting big things from his letterwinners, some of whom got thrown into starting roles as freshmen.

“I’m expecting them to be leaders on the field, and to use their experience to help us win football games,” he said.

Jasper will take the signal calling duties once again for the Vikings. Last year, he threw for 1,002 yards, completing 57-of-167 passes. He scored 50 points.

“Jacob Jasper has put in some quality work in the off season, his experience at QB shows,” Braniff said. “He is becoming a true leader.”

Jasper’s favorite target is also back in Shane McMurray. McMurray led the Vikings with 20 receptions and 229 yards last year. He also scored 48 points.

Passing will be key again for the Vikings, who have tried in the last few years to branch out from a run-heavy game. Braniff said the team has some good underclassmen coming up in the receiving corps who could make some big plays this year.

“Sophomore Baine Seilhamer is an up and comer, he will be a factor in our receiving group,” he said. “He has dedicated himself and worked very hard in the off season and thus far in camp.”

The team also has some good running backs with leading rusher McMurray back. He carried the ball 69 times for 374 yards last season. Kuhn, Clarkson and Dudurich could also see plenty of carries.

“We do have some good running backs, I look to use their talents as much as the experience we have in the receiving group,” said Braniff. “We will try to be as balanced as possible.”

The Vikings also have a little more size than in the past on the line, but if one player goes down, they could be hurting.

“The size on the offensive line will help, but depth at positions is a concern,” said Braniff. “Depth will be an concern at all positions, we’ll play the hand we are dealt.”

Glendale has 24 players on the roster this season and that’s with bringing four freshmen up.

Still, Braniff says he is excited to see what his team can do this year, especially now that they know his system and what to expect.

“The kids know what to expect from me and the rest of my coaching staff, they have been working with us at different levels throughout their football careers,” he said.

Braniff said the biggest thing for Glendale will be to avoid the slow starts that plagued the team throughout last season. The Vikings faced a running clock in the second half several times and struggled to put the ball in the end zone during the first half.

“This has been a topic of discussion with the team all camp, we will strive to start fast and continue momentum throughout the game,” he said.

The Vikings’ goals are pretty simple this year — win games and stay healthy.

Braniff’s staff includes Dan Dudurich (Defensive Coordinator), Nathan Braniff (Offensive Coordinator) and assistants Bruce Vereshack, Marvin Martell, Kody Ness and Matt Yeckley.

Glendale kicks off the season on Friday, hosting Williamsburg.

Seniors

Jacob Jasper, J.J. Kitko, Brent Kuhn, Avery LeMaster, Colton Leyo, Shane McMurray, Josh Potutschnig.

Juniors

Austen Clarkson, Seth Dudurich, Kyle Jasper, Cory Johnston, Ryan Pringle, Baine Seilhamer, Tim Williams.

Sophomores

Zach Bennett, Colt Bickford, Boston Bloom, Jack Cunkleman, Owen Jenkins, Logan Keith, Gunner Nevling.

Freshmen

Ethan Cavalet, Justin Jasper, Cody Schneider, Gage Wright.