With 12 returning starters off last year's 8-2 team, the Eastern Montgomery Mustangs should once again be a contender for the Three Rivers District title, as well as another run in the playoffs.

With 10 returning starters on defense and nine on offense, East Mont hopes to improve on last year's 3-2 mark in a tough Three Rivers District and 8-2 overall effort in the regular season. The Mustangs fell in the regional playoffs to Bath County, a team they beat earlier in the season.

The Mustangs return six all-district selections which include Michael Shelor (senior, RB/LB), Justin Brammer (senior, OL/LB), Shawn Christian (senior, QB/S), Brad Wooten (senior, WR/C), Julian Stewart (senior, WR/C) and Justin Fisher (senior, WR/DL).

Other returning starters include Stephen Lilly (senior, WR/LB), Christian Leonard (junior, RB/DL), Caleb Woods (junior, OL/LB), Chris Yarborough (soph., OL/LB), David Loving (senior, OL/DE) and T.J. Erlywin (senior, OL/DE).

Also returning for another season are seniors Joseph Vishneski (WR/DE), Caleb East (WR/C) and Zach Assad (OL/DL).

"This team is returning most of the starters from last year," said coach Mark Poston. "We are loaded with seniors who must provide leadership for the team to be successful.

The coach listed his top game of the season as being the season-opener on Aug. 27 at Bath County. The Mustangs beat the Chargers in last year's opener and then fell to them in the regional playoffs.

"This team [East Mont] is explosive, but looking for leadership to take it to the next level," added Poston.