Follett coach John York couldn’t ask for a better core of juniors and seniors.

Junior quarterback Braden Blau and senior running back Luke Lobmeyer made the Six-Man Division I all-state team last year, while two other running backs were all-state honorable mentions.

So this team will be well ahead of the learning curve when the first game rolls around, which may be the extra push Follett needs to bring home a state title after losing in the championship game last season.

“All of these kids who are returning players have three years in our system or are going into their third year,” York said. “I think the experience is going to help quite a bit.”

Team Stats

2008 Record: 11-2, 3-1 Six-Man Division I District 1; lost to Strawn, 58-29, in the state championship game.

Returning Experience: 14 lettermen, three offensive starters and three defensive starters.

Players To Watch: Boone Tyson, RB-C; Luke Lobmeyer RB-DT; Braden Blau, QB-C; Cole Freeman, RB-E; Reese Hamill, E-C.

Promising Newcomers: Clint Al-ag, RB-C; Quentin Chadwick, E-E; Corey Tyson, RB-E; Kendall Hamill, RB-C; Landry Caldwell, E-E.

Basic Offense: Offset I.

Basic Defense: 4-2.

Keys To Success: Follett has good team speed, York said, and is returning its entire starting backfield. If the Panthers can capitalize on that speed and experience, a return trip to the state title game might be within reach.

High School Enrollment: 69.

2008 JV record: 5-0.

Playoff History: 1941, 1974 (8-man state champion), 1975 (8-man finals), 1982 (quarterfinals), 1987 (zone), 1988 (regional), 1994, 1997 (regional), 1999, 2000 (regionals), 2001 (regionals), 2002, 2003 (regionals). 2004, 2006 (Division II), 2008 (Division I state finalist).