Freeport's Brodey Woods interrupts a pass against Mount Pleasant's JJ Johnson during the football game at Freeport Area High School on Friday October 19, 2018.

BUFFALO TWP — “Revenge Tour.”

It's a catchy phrase, but is more than just words for Freeport's football team.

Last season, the Yellowjackets' first three games came against Big East Conference opponents Derry, North Catholic and Elizabeth Forward. They met with defeat in all three, though two of those losses came by just six points.

Freeport did rebound by winning their final five conference games to qualify for the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs, but the most immediate goal this year is to avoid such a deep hole to start the season. The same three teams loom on Freeport's schedule in Weeks 1-3.

“Last year, we had some chemistry and confidence at the start of the season, but not enough,” said senior running back/linebacker Ricky Hunter. “We've talked about it. We need more of both this season.”

Confidence begins within each individual player and Hunter has no shortage of it as he moves into an expanded role on offense.

As a junior he averaged 4.4 yards and scored a touchdown on 22 rushing attempts. With quarterback Austin Romanchak and running back Conor Selinger lost to graduation, Hunter is now the focal point of Freeport's ground game.

“I've looked good in practice and am very confident,” said Hunter (5-9, 160). “I've embraced the role and am looking forward to it.”

Freeport coach John Gaillot described Hunter as “a slashy kid” and will also look to sophomore Jewlius Barnes to contribute yards on the ground.

Three offensive lineman who started throughout last season will provide vital experience to the 'Jackets' front. They include center Garrett Ben and guards Logan Manke and Elijah Freeman. Carter Dougherty, who saw some time as a starter at tackle, is also back.

“We took our lumps last year, but the kids didn't miss a weight-room session this offseason,” Gaillot said of his line. “We got stronger and they look faster. Time will tell.”

A receiving corps that was used primarily as blockers for the ground game last year should get more chances in the passing game with senior Garret Schaffhauser moving into the starting quarterback role.

The defense may be a step ahead of the offense to start the season with seven returning starters. That group has Barnes, Josh Bollinger and Pierce Craven up front, Hunter and Schaffhauser at linebacker, Brodey Woods at cornerback and Isiah Bauman at safety.

“Our defensive line is very strong and physical,” said Gaillot. “They average between 250 and 300 pounds.

“Our base defense will be a 3-4, but we can go into multiple formations ... 6-2, 5-2, 5-3, 4-2. Running a 3-4 allows us to switch up when we have to.”

Hunter provides Freeport with a strong leg on special teams, both kicking and punting.

“The school record (for a field goal) is 45 yards by Jeff Christy,” said Gaillot. “Ricky hit the crossbar last year on a 43-yarder, but he was making them from 50 yards recently in practice. The kid can kick. He's money.”