17 returning starting positions have South Putnam poised for a big season.

But youth mixed in with the veterans leaves a few things to work on.

Head coach Chuck Sorrell enters his fifth season with a significant returing core from last season's 7-3 squad that scored 425 points.  A six game win streak was snapped by highly regarded 2A power Linton-Stockton in Week 9. The season ended in the next week in the sectional quarterfinal with a loss to the eventual 1A state champion, Indianapolis Lutheran.

The Eagles are ranked seventh in the preseason Indiana Football Coaches Poll. Lutheran is number one followed by Adams Central, North Decatur, North Judson, Sheridan and Carroll (Flora) in the top six. Providence is ranked eighth with Park Tudor ninth and a tie for the tenth spot in the poll between Covenant Christian and South Adams.

Sorrell says he has plenty of veterans. It's mixing in the youth that offers some challenges to the start of the season.

Leading the way defensively is an all-county, All-WIC and all-state linebacker. Senior Austin Beadles recorded a team-high 174 tackles with 18 for loss last season.

Despite the veteran influence, Sorrell says his team is not a finished product.

South Putnam hosts Cloverdale in Friday's season opener.  Coverage on GIANT fm Sports on WREB begins at 6:40 p.m.