GROVE CITY — Two seasons ago, the Grove City HighSchool football team made it to the state championship game.

That has raised the bar for Eagles' football forever.

This year's challenge for coachJeff Bell and his staff is to get his talented Grove City roster back into the playoffs after missing the postseason with a 6-3 record in 2005.

"We're a little bit disappointed from last year, hungry, whatever you want to call it," Bell said. "Our expectations are to get back into the playoffs. If we don't get into the playoffs, if we don't win, it won't be for lack of talent."

Grove City must replace some standout players from last season, most notably quarterback Jesse Alfreno. But Bell believes there are plenty of replacements available.

Alfreno passed, rushed and received for more than 1,000 yards in his high school career and is now a walk-on at PennState.

There are three candidates to replace him under center: senior JustinHaugh and juniors KeithRundle and Justin Burk.

Haugh has the most experience, Burk played receiver last season and Rundle didn't play at all.

"We need to find someone who doesn't make mistakes and can run the team," Bell said. "They all have different strengths. That's the thing. It's going to be tough. One might be a better passer, one might be a better ball handler, one might be a better runner."

Don't look Bell to employ a committee, however.

"We have to make a decision and go because you are never going to get three quarterbacks enough reps," he said.

Grove City has no such problem in the backfield.

Junior Chris Clark returns after a breakout season in 2005, when he rushed for 636 yards and six touchdowns and caught passes for 119 yards and another score.

"Last year in camp he was at two other positions," Bell said. "He earned his belt at running back."

Cody Redfoot,Dwayne Martin and JustinSpencer also will see significant playing time in the backfield.

Drew Bestwick returns at receiver, and Grove City has a solid defensive nucleus returning, led by Martin in the secondary and Josh Woods at defensive tackle.

Grove City will have to play good defense in a Class AA region full of solid teams, plus a challenging nonconference schedule that features games against SlipperyRock, which moved toClass AAA, Corry and Fairview.

The Eagles are helped by the fact District 10 increased the playoff field from four to eight. Last year, Grove City undoubtably would have qualified if there had been an eight-team field.

"We have some crossover games we need to play well in," Bell said. "All of our games are important, but we are playing two of the better teams up there inCorry and Fairview. Those are big games for us."

Grove City also returns one of the best kickers in the area in senior GordonCraig, who was 11-of-14 on field goal attempts last season.

He also will punt this season.

TheEagles have considerable depth at almost every position with a roster that is 67 strong.

"We have a pretty good backup behind everyone right now," Bell said.

They problem may be finding a way to keep everyone happy.

"We have to have guys who are not selfish," Bells said. "Guys who know they will come out of the game and have someone else get some work. We have a lot of weapons.When you get into that thing of 'I want the ball,' that stuff will kill ya."