Dave Hartzell has a good feeling about this group.

And that could translate into a playoff appearance for the Butler boys tennis team.

The second-year coach has a lot of young players, but that doesn't necessarily mean a down season.

"We're young, but our young players are good," said Hartzell. "I'm impressed with their talent."

Seniors Andrew Direnzo and Wes Hortert and junior Andrew Hazlett are surrounded by a group of sophomores and freshmen.

Especially freshmen.

Matt Slamecka, Stefan Kemp, Evan Kowalski and Emil Kemp are all freshmen.

Sophomore Andrew Sykes must feel like a seasoned veteran.

Butler's section includes North Allegheny and Pine-Richland.

"They're both top-notch tennis programs," said Hartzell.

Following are preview capsules for the five area boys tennis teams.

ButlerCoach: Dave Hartzell, second year

2006 record: The Tornado finished below .500

Key players lost: Andrew Thompson, Steve Shetter, Adam Kowalski, Dave Uram and Doug Pichler

Singles: 1-Freshman Matt Slamecka; 2-Stefan Kemp or Evan Kowalski (both freshmen); 3-senior Wes Hortert or junior Andrew Hazlett

Doubles: 1-a combination of Direnzo, Kemp and Kowalski; 2-sophomore Andrew Sykes and freshman Emil Kemp

Hartzell says: "We'll be battling for third place in the section, which would give us a playoff spot."

Grove CityCoach: Lorraine Gilson, 31st year

2006 record: The Eagles went 14-1, won their region and placed second in District 10 behind Fairview

Key players lost: Josh Lynn, Dan Spears, Jon Clausen, Joe Hazy, Mike Youngo and Tony Campagna

Singles: 1-junior Matt Kiser; 2-senior Chris Weber; 3-sophomore Josiah Welker

Doubles: 1-junior Derek Frederickson and freshman Luke Spears; 2-senior Zach Bombatch and sophomore Drew Clausen

In the mix: senior Jason Estatico and freshman Chris Chutz

Gilson says: "We're planning to have another winning season. We'll see if the boys can dig down deep and do it."

KnochCoach: Tom Gammell, 10th year

2006 record: The Knights were below .500

Key players lost: Evan Shaffer and Adam Napora

Singles: 1-junior Brandon Anandan; 2-freshman Jake Rupert; 3-sophomore Joe Boros

Doubles: 1-juniors Tony Doyle and Aaron Ramsey; 2-a combination of juniors Zach Tresatti, Adam Sirkoch and Austin Hilyard

In the mix: juniors Josh Henschel and Cory Brown

Gammell says: "I'm really excited about next year already because we've got everybody coming back. But we should do all right this season."

MarsCoaches: Bill Pettigrew and Kent Shoemaker

2006 record: The Planets tied for second place in their section and made the playoffs

Key players lost: Chris Morgan

Singles: 1-junior Bill Welsh; 2-sophomore Andy Knauff; 3-between sophomores Ian Welsh and Tim Gaw

Doubles: 1-seniors Lauren Glew and Marisa Glew; 2-freshmen Greg Kraus and Dan Kearny

In the mix: sophomore Jake Miszuk

Shoemaker says: "Last year, we just wanted to survive and get to .500 and we ended up getting to the playoffs. We've got so many young kids this season, it's going to be a building year for us."

Seneca ValleyCoach: Eric Grove, sixth season

2006 record: 6-8

Key players lost: none

Singles: 1-junior Ryan Zipf; 2-senior Caleb Zalenko; 3-senior Caleb Hudspath or junior Matt Davis

Doubles: 1-sophomore Warren Shaw and either Davis or Hudspath; 2-senior Ram Mahalingham and sophomore Mike Hess

Grove says: "We didn't have a winning season last year, but we did the two years before that. Our goal is to have another winning season this year."