GROVE CITY - Each year, Grove City High School football coach Jeff Bell hands out T-shirts with a catchphrase printed on it for his players at the start of camp.

This year, the message on the shirt is a simple one.

"New Team. New Dream."

It's going to be hard to top the dream the Eagles lived last season, when they turned a 0-2 start into a march to Hershey and the PIAA Class AA championship game against Lansdale Catholic, which they lost 40-17.

But that's the mission for Grove City this season: Don't live off the past; live for the present and future.

"They have to make their own dream," Bell said.

Things have changed in Grove City. The perception of the team went through an equally dramatic metamorphosis after the 0-2 start in 2004.

Anything less than a playoff berth will be a profound disappointment.

"The expectations have changed," Bell said. "Before, we hoped to have a winning record. Before, we hoped to compete and make the playoffs. Winning the District 10 has always been one of our goals."

Now that goal may be the minimum.

But gone from the state championship game run are a number of key contributors. Such notable names as Jim Jaskowak, Jack Vallely, Kent Uber, Tony Aloisio, Matt Turek, Adam Rudolph, Tim Waxenfelter, Danny Wise and Ian Turner have graduated.

But that doesn't mean there is nothing left. Grove City has a collection of young, burgeoning talent ready to take their places.

Oh, and they still have Jesse Alfreno.

The senior might be the ultimate slash this season, playing anywhere from running back to wide receiver to even some quarterback.

"The biggest thing I can say about him is he's as hard a worker as anyone I've ever had," Bell said. "Some kids who have that much talent don't work and try to get by on their talent. But he works. He goes full speed all the time. He's a great example to the younger kids."

Alfreno rushed for 423 yards on just 59 carries a season ago and also caught 28 passes for 584 yards and five scores.

On defense, he is a ball hawk at free safety.

This year, as Bell revamps his defense, Alfreno will have even more to worry about.

He will be the quarterback of the defense, making sure everyone is where he is supposed to be.

Bell, though, has the luxury of a deep roster.

Grove City has 70 players out for football this season, 20 more than last year, including a junior class that is 23 strong.

"I can name 18 kids who will play a lot," Bell said. "We don't have 11 on offense and 11 on defense, but we're pretty close."

Bell will use a trio of quarterbacks, with Alfreno sharing some time under center with Brandon Jones and Justin Hall.

All are athletic quarterbacks, but they are different from Jaskowak, who was an adept drop-back passer.

"I don't think we have a pure drop-back passer," Bell said. "But all three are capable of throwing the football."

Dan Sonntag, who saw some action throughout the season, will get more touches this season, as will fullback candidates Mike Holes and Caleb David.

Chris Clark, Cody Redfoot and Mark Dixon also will see some time carrying the football.

Grove City is perhaps the deepest at receiver. The Eagles also got a boost with the arrival of 6-foot-3 senior Ryan King, who has been a standout on the basketball court for three seasons.

He decided to give football a try and has been a pleasant surprise at wideout in camp.

"Ryan King is an athlete," Bell said. "He has good size and good speed."

Defensively, Grove City will not be as big and physical as it was last season, but it should be a lot quicker, Bell said.

The Eagles lost 600 pounds worth of defensive tackle in Uber and Aloisio, but they have quicker and more agile defenders - and a lot of them.

"Last year, we were pretty much a three-deep (zone) team," Bell said. "This year, we are going to attack more. We're going to be a faster defense overall."

It may have to be. Grove City won't sneak up on anyone this season.

Not after advancing to Hershey the year before.

"It's going to be a challenge," Bell said. "I think last year we started 0-2 and we sort of caught some teams by surprise. We won't do that this season. Everyone is going to be gunning for us."