KARNS CITY — Ed Conto and the Karns City varsity football program have transition down to a science.

The starters never seem to leave.

“We use so many different players here every year,” Conto said. “You can look at it and say we graduated an entire starting unit from last year.

“We're also bringing back virtually an entire starting unit. We're never hurting for experience that way.”

The Gremlins are coming off an 11-2 season and — as usual — are looking to use a strong running game to accentuate their control of games on the field.

Collin Dunmyre rushed for 1,004 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2014 and will be joined by Maverick Kelsea (248 yards) in the backfield. Chandler Turner, a 6-foot-3 junior tailback, will work into the mix as well.

“I think Chandler is primed for a breakout year,” Conto said. “Dunmyre and Kelsea will both get plenty of carries.”

The Gremlins are breaking in two new quartebacks in juniors Cullen Williams and Jacob King.

“Both bring something different to the offense,” Conto said. “Jake is the better passer, Cullen the better runner. Cullen reminds me a lot of (former KC quarterback) Anthony Stimac the way he plays the position.

“Those are the two guys we're working with and how we handle their talents will play itself out.”

Evan Stitt is the top receiver returning, catching 10 passes for 132 yards last year. Jarod Stewart and Jimmy Thompson look to see time there as well. Tight ends are Kyle Nolan and Luke Salerno. Manning the “Z” back position — a key role in KC's offense — are Seth Silverio, Kaiden Powers and Jason Crowley.

Reese Barger, a third-year starter, returns at center. Tackles are Austin Turner, Dalton Jones and Neal Barnhart, guards Ben Ealy, Justin Bailey and Brayden Fedorek. Others will see time up front as well.

Kelsea expects the Gremlins' ground game to be physical.

“Our line's got some size and we're capable of pounding up the middle or cutting outside,” he said. “Our running game should be very good.”

That suits Ealy just fine.

“Our linemen love the fact that we run the ball so much,” Ealy said. “When you pass-block, you're taking the hit. When you run-block, you're doing the hitting.”

“We've been about running the ball for years here,” Dunmyre said. “That's a tradition we want to uphold.”

Conto admitted that “throwing the ball 10 or 12 times a game is about where we want to be.”

Defensively, the Gremlins will use multiple fronts.

“There's three fronts that we can throw at teams, depending on what they're trying to do against us,” Conto said. “We're very deep and versatile on that side of the ball.”

Barnhart, Austin Turner, Jones and Ealy anchor the defensive front. Linebackers are Kelsea, Nolan, Fedorek, Bailey and Aaron Hutchison.

Trevor Scott, Stitt, Williams and Mike Stiehler are the prime cornerbacks with Powers, Chandler Turner, Silverio and Dunmyre at safety.

“Thankfully, we have good numbers overall,” Conto said. “We've got 51 players and for being a double-A school with so many kids playing different sports, that's pretty good.”

Chandler Turner will hold down the punting duties for the Gremlins while junior Powers, who did not play last year while recovering from knee surgery, will be the place-kicker. Powers drilled a 43-yard field goal as a freshman.

The expectations for Karns City football never change.

“Win District 9 again, go deep into the state playoffs,” Ealy said. “You always want to beat the team that came before you.”

Kelsea said living up to the name of Karns City football does bring about a little bit of pressure — and challenge at the same time.

“It's almost frowned upon here if you don't do it,” he said of winning.