REINHARDT
Last season: 6-4, 4-1 in Mid-South Conference
Key returning players: L.J. Stegall returns as a definite starter after an explosive freshman season for the Eagles. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound running back led his team in rushing yards (72.9), all-purpose yards (162) and touchdowns scored (17). Defensive lineman Tevin McCoy led the team in total tackles for loss and he was fourth in total tackles (36). The 5-10, 210-pound sophomore was second in sacks (4) and tied for third in passes broken up (3).
Emerging players: Ian McIntosh is a sophomore running back who was hindered by injuries in his freshman season, but Cronic said McInstosh is recovered and will play this season. Cronic also has high hopes for P.J. Greene, another running back battling back from injuries. The junior transfer from Shorter played in five of the Eagles' 10 games in 2013. He averaged 28.6 rushing yards per game.
For the future: At the end of July, Cronic secured the Class AAA state champion in the 100-meter dash, Andrew Slaton. A freshman and the latest edition to Cronic's 2014 roster, Slaton will play either wide receiver or running back. Cronic said Slaton is a true speedster and "quicker than a hiccup." Another key Reinhardt freshman is Marcus Miller of Marist. The 5-10, 175-pound running back averaged 9.5 yards per carry and 66.7 yards per game as a senior.
They'll have a winning season if: Reinhardt is working with a fairly experienced team. The Eagles are junior and sophomore heavy, with most of their starters from last season returning. Cronic said many of his sophomores redshirted last season, so he has a core group of players to build around. Cronic said he expects more challenges in 2014, compared with 2013. "We had some success last year because we maybe snuck up on some people," Cronic said. "I don't think we will have that leverage this year."
They'll come up short if: The Eagles moved the ball well last season, but the defense wasn't all there. Cronic said he and his coaching staff are looking for their defense to step up. He said their biggest challenge will be getting the defense off the field on third downs and improving their kicking game. The Eagles ranked eighth in the division in kickoff returns and tenth in punt yards. But the Eagles' lowest ranking was in total sacks. Their 19 sacks in 2013 earned them the 48th spot in the Mid-South West division.
Chatter: Drew Cronic, Danny Cronic's oldest son, serves as the Eagle's offensive coordinator. … Reinhardt made three new hires for the 2014 season: defensive coordinator Adam Carter, offensive line coach James Miller and linebacker coach Tommy Scott. … In their first season, the Eagles were the 2013 Mid-South West champions after ending the season tied with Faulkner in the standings.
Must-see games: Like last season, the Eagles open with their only in-state game of the season against Mercer in Macon. The Eagles have a bone to pick with Mercer after losing to them 40-37 in 2013. Cronic said he looks forward to playing a game in Georgia, even as the underdog.
