FOXBURG — For A-C Valley football coach Brad Dittman, the story of the 2013 season was pretty simple: Lack of experience led to lack of wins as the Falcons limped to an 0-10 record.

“Last year, we had two starters returning on both sides of the ball,” Dittman said. “We had good talent, but just couldn't put games away.”

Though they are once again dealing with a small roster (24 players), experience will not be a problem this year.

Nine starters return on offense, where A-C Valley is switching from a pistol attack to a power running game.

“The pistol doesn't suit the athletic ability we have this year,” said Dittman. “We're going to be a grind 'em out, straight-ahead team.”

That tough attitude will be exemplified by quarterback Evan Redding, a 5-foot-9, 184-pound senior.

“He's basically a fullback playing quarterback,” said Dittman. “But he also gives us the ability to throw the ball (723 yards last season). We're looking for big things out of him.”

The graduation of Mike Suto leaves big shoes to fill. The tailback paced the team last year in rushing yards (745), receptions (16) and touchdowns (13).

The brunt of rushing attempts this season will fall to fullback Damien Wolfe and halfbacks Hunter Defibaugh and Lane Chalmers. One plus for the running game is that it will be spurred by a group of veterans up front.

Returning starters Todd Dunlap (left tackle), Brady Terwilliger (center), Bill Amsler (right guard) and Anthony Painter (right tackle) will look to pave the way for the Falcons' ground attack. Defibaugh could also move up from his position in the backfield to play tight end.

Amsler and Painter tip the scale at 263 and 256 pounds, respectively.

“We're excited about our size,” said Dittman. “We need to take advantage of that.”

Wideout Cody Jones, now a senior, grabbed 11 passes last year for 111 yards and will be counted on to pick up his production.

Defensively, A-C Valley will stick with its 3-4 scheme, anchored by returning starting tackles Amsler and Dunlap. Painter will move from nose guard to linebacker, where he will be joined by Defibaugh and Zach Muhl. Defibaugh is the team's top returning tackler with 61 stops a season ago.

Jones (cornerback) and Wolfe (free safety) are also returning starters.

The Falcons have experience returning at special teams with Wolfe kicking and Painter handling punting duties.

Though he knows injuries are the X-factor for any team, especially one with small numbers, Dittman is confident his players have laid the foundation for a successful season.

“We had an excellent offseason,” he said. “The kids lifted during the winter and we've been getting 20 kids in on a consistent basis during the summer. I'm hoping to see the results of that on the field.”