Brendan Lynch

FREEPORT — John Gaillot has guided the Freeport Yellowjackets to the postseason in each of his first three seasons.

A system is in place and the players believe in the system.

With only four starters on offense and three back on defense, they'll have to rely on it more than ever.

“We're just way young on experience,” said Gaillot. “We have a healthy number of juniors, but half didn't play last year.

“The chemistry is the best it's been as a team. They really don't look at it as individuals, but say it's all about the team ... I'll tell them we need you here and they'll say, ‘that's fine.' That's their attitude.”

Junior quarterback Brendan Lynch returns after a full season under his belt. He tossed for 1,302 yards and 12 touchdowns with just four interceptions. He was also the team's second-leading rusher with 338 yards and five scores.

“From seeing him against Highlands in the first game last year to South Fayette (in a WPIAL Class AA quarterfinal loss), you'd think he was a totally different kid,” Gaillot said. “You can see it in the weight room every day. He's grown and grown and matured into the leader he is now.”

“I am a lot more comfortable,” said Lynch. “Last year, I was more nervous, but after a full year I can step in and be a leader instead of relying on teammates for help.”

The Yellowjackets lost leading rusher Jake Campbell (159 carries, 805 yards, 12 TD) as well as Marcel Ittner (30-324-4) and top receivers Derek Durand (34 catches, 845 yards, 9 TD) and Sean Liberto (12-299-2).

“We don't have a lot of experience in the backfield, but we have a lot of athleticism,” said Lynch.

“With this group, we don't have one main guy,” said Gaillot. “Probably six players can be in the backfield, but they can also play wideout.

“We have freshmen who came up and will be on the field Fridays. Our sophomores and juniors, there's something about them. They're not cocky, but they have confidence,” Gaillot added.

Jon Turner and Brian Welsh return as guards with Alex Carson penciled in at center. Sean Carson will line up at tight end while the guard positions will be determined during camp.

Turner, a two-time Butler Eagle Sweet 16 pick, had 73 tackles and four sacks last season and will anchor the defense.

“Everyone returning is really good,” said Turner. “And we have young kids who are ready to step up.”

“Some kids got a little experience last year, but not a full season,” said Gaillot. “Our biggest concern is these kids can play well but it's not at varsity speed and can we match up physically?”

They'll certainly find out early as they open at Highlands Friday before hosting Quaker Valley and Shady Side Academy in the following weeks.

“Those first three games will be character builders,” said Gaillot. “I like going against physical teams. They'll all come out and hit you in the mouth. You have to show up.”

“I think people are overlooking us this year,” said Turner. “They'll be surprised.”