BUFFALO TWP - Freeport finds itself having lost most of its offensive firepower from last year's team.

But, like it has been in the past, the Yellowjackets will expect a new group of players to thrive and to persevere.

Freeport lost quarterback-receiver Kiel Conjack, its top three running backs, including Nate Kurtz (818 yards and nine touchdowns) and top four receivers, including leader Kory Micholas (18 catches, 272 yards).

Still, junior quarterback Bryan Zimmerman, who took over the bulk of the snaps late last season, when Conjack became primarily a receiver, will give the offense its boost this year.

"He'll definitely be a leader," said Freeport coach Bill Dillen. "He's a quiet leader. He'll lead by example."

Zimmerman completed 16 of 37 passes for 346 yards, but threw six touchdown passes against two interceptions.

Junior Brady Sherrieb is the team's top returning running back with 111 yards on 21 carries and junior Josh Schrecengost added 85 on 10 carries, but observers should expect a mix in the backfield.

"We'll have a running back by committee," said Dillen. "There's four or five others, all young kids. We'll get into camp and see.

"It's one thing to run without equipment and another thing when camp starts," he added.

At receiver, the loss of Micholas (15.1 yards per catch), Conjack (29.7) and Jake Lassinger (18.5) will be missed, but Dillen has a quick group of runners who will get their chance.

"You don't replace guys like that, but we've got kids that have some skills," said Dillen. "Most of our 4x100 relay team (from track) are receivers or running backs, so we'll be OK.

"We'll be young, but very athletic. … The big thing is our guys up front. It doesn't matter who you have at running back. It's what you have up front.

"We're not too big. Only a few years have we had an exceptionally big line, but hey, they've done the job a lot of years," Dillen added.

Look for seniors Jarred Malcolm (5-foot-7, 185 pounds, three-year starter) and Jesse Snyder (5-8, 200, two-year starter) to anchor the offensive line.

Freeport has had a history of strong defensive backs, but it must find new players to replace their losses.

"We should be athletic back there, but inexperienced," said Dillen. "Bryan's played a little back there and Brady's played a little back there.

"We were in the same boat two years ago, and Kiel and Kory were young and they did well.

"These guys all played basketball and know each other, so they all know how to compete," Dillen added.

On the defensive line, Dillen has the flexibility to go with two options: a big line and a quick line.

"If we have to, we'll platoon. We've done that in the past," said Dillen, who will have six starters who played a lot on defense last year.

Junior linebackers Kevin Turner and Chris Ittner return to give the position some experience, and senior John Deal will serve as the third linebacker. Nick Rutkoski will be the team's outside linebacker.

Returning at kicker will be Mike Ziedler (20 extra points), whose leg is much stronger, Dillen said.

"That's a weapon," said Dillen. "When we had Scott Kallner, he was kicking the ball out of the end zone and team's were starting at their own 20. That makes a difference."

Freeport will open the season by hosting Knoch on Friday, then will play at McGuffey Sept. 2 before opening Allegheny Conference action at Ford City Sept. 9.