Thirtyfour letterwinners return from a year ago, along with 13 starters. Waterman was a second team all-MIAA selection last year and set the MWSC school record for passing touchdowns in a game with four, a mark he set three times last season. Waterman passed for 2,111 yards and 24 touchdowns as a sophomore, tying a school record in passing touchdowns. A pair of juniors lead the way for Connaker out of the backfield. The tight end position is fairly deep with three capable players there.
Nothing makes the offense go like the guys up front.
Western had some injury problems on the line last year, with numerous linemen seeing bench time. Defensively, the Griffons allowed 10 or less points in five games last year, but saw the opponents rush for 181.4 yards per game. There are some holes to fill this season and the coaching staff is looking at a number players in the preseason. Oyler recorded five sacks and 53 tackles last season. The linebacking corps has three go-getters at the point of attack.