Head coach: Jeremy Bosken (first year here; 25-26 overall)
Returning starters: 4 offensive; 4 defensive
Key players: ATH Eli Evans (6-2, 190); OL-DL Hamilton Chadwell (5-10, 265); ATH JaMichael McGoy (5-9, 165); S Preston Edmondson (6-1, 190); WR Miguel Medina (5-10, 165); OL-DL Charlie Terry (6-3, 275); RB David Dixon (5-9, 220); QB Eli Morris (5-10, 160)
Team strengths: Already receiving NCAA Division I looks, McGoy could be in for a big junior season as a versatile weapon in the spread offense and at defensive back. Dixon is a bruiser at running back and made it to state as a wrestler last year as a freshman. Three-sport athlete Evans is the go-to leader of this bunch.
Team concerns: Outscored 492-52 in 2018, the Buccaneers must embrace a fresh start as they try to bring a former very successful program back to life.
"We want these guys to run around, have fun and battle with each other," Bosken said. "They have to trust we can do this. We have a great foundation. We have talented athletes and many who play different sports. They have bought in to a warrior culture."
Breakout candidate: Freshman Matt Stone (5-9, 200) has impressed this summer at running back and linebacker. Stone is one of the fastest on the team and has plenty of toughness, according to Bosken.
Season outlook: Boyd Buchanan's first five opponents the past two seasons combined for an 80.6% winning rate. A new era will begin with a more feasible schedule and the first four games all on the Bucs' home turf.
"We have to attack one goal at a time," said Bosken, who never has missed the TSSAA playoffs in five seasons as a head coach. "These guys have bought in to what we have done in the weightroom and are learning how to practice great."
With a city-leading 39 playoff wins all-time, the Bucs look to begin a return to prominence.
"It takes a group of guys to play a position, not just one," Bosken said. "Selflessness is very important, and so is trust. We want them to let their guard down and celebrate their successes."