KARNS CITY - For Ed Conto, it's all about the quality, not the quantity.

That's the mindset the Gremlins head coach is taking this season after listing only 24 players on the roster.

"Our numbers are low, but a lot of these kids played last year," said Conto. "We seem to be deep at each position with guys who are players.

"Almost at every position, we have three guys who could be starters, so that's good," Conto added.

The team lost many of its key offensive stars, but quarterback Steve Black had a stellar junior season and will be back to run the ship.

Without leading rusher Josh Fiscus (1,141 yards, 15 touchdowns) and top three receiving threats in David Black (52 receptions, 753 yards, 9 TD, Naval Academy), Kyle Texter (25-325) and Fiscus (11-132), Black will need to be the steady hand that guides the offense.

"He throws the ball really well and is a much-improved runner," said Conto. "He seems more elusive. He was a little young last year, a little smaller.

"He's smart and he'll open things up offensively. We might be able to run more plays and can run more audibles out there," Conto added.

Black (97 for 171, 1,292 yards, 12 TD, 2 rushing TDs) still will have a couple of key returners in the backfield in tailbacks Wayne Harris (69-389) and Roy Beham (16-162).

And the team has Matt Stimac and Joey Everetts at fullback, as well as Brett Green thrown into the mix.

"Brett is a hybrid at fullback and tailback," said Conto. "I'm not afraid to play any one of those guys in a varsity game."

On the receiving end will be Justin Macurak, Justin Switzer, Chad Bell, Cameron Turner, Matt McConnell and Chris Reeves.

"I don't feel like we can't throw in a game, so I'm excited bout that," quipped Conto.

Kory Kusick, Chad Turner, Casey Kendrick, Josh Williams, and Chris Sotirake will be the key offensive linemen, with D.J. Ekis and Adam Wilson getting quality playing time.

The secondary, which was a big strength last year, will be revamped a bit as Bell and Macurak, who split time last year at safety, each will fill a safety spot while Black will be one of the corners.

"Right now, our defensive backfield is a weakness," said Conto. "Last year, our defense was a weakness and the secondary was solid."

The linebacker corps appear stronger with Chad Turner, Kusick and Stimac and Brett Green, while Sotirake will also lead the action among others at inside linebacker.

Beham and Switzer have moved to defensive end, and Cameron Turner shifts to nose tackle.

Matt McConnell, who performed well as Luke McClaine's backup, will handle kicking duties, while his brother, Mike, will be the punter.

The Gremlins will try to return to their winning ways after finishing the year with a 5-5 record and a first-round District 9 playoff loss to Redbank Valley.

"My biggest concern is the secondary, if the receivers can step up and we stay away from injuries," said Conto.

Despite the small squad, Conto and his staff are enjoying what this group has brought to camp.

"We're having fun with these kids," said Conto. "It'll be a fun year, whether we win all our games or win some. We're having fun with the experience."