This time last year, Billy Hall was beginning his first season as a head football coach with all of eight players on Hedley’s preseason roster — and no seniors.

The young Owls went through a few growing pains, finishing 3-7 overall and 2-3 in Six-Man Division II District 1.

The Owls fell short of earning the first playoff berth in school history. But with 16 players on this season’s preseason roster — doubling the number of players from last season — there is reason for optimism.

“That is still a big deal for us, the playoffs,” Hall said. “That is what we are shooting for. The team met my expectations last year. This year we are in a lot better position. We have twice as many kids and return a lot of players.”

The Owls return nine lettermen, including three offensive and five defensive starters.

Reid Copelin, a junior running back and safety, highlights the returnees after earning honorable mention all-state honors on defense last season with 76 tackles and four interceptions.

“I think experience will help us this season,” Hall said. “We’re not going to change things up much on offense or defense. Everybody knows what they need to do.”

Team Stats

2008 Record: 3-7 overall; 2-3 in Six-Man Division II District 1.

Returning Experience: Nine lettermen; three offensive and five defensive starters.

Players To Watch: Reid Copelin, RB-S; Dylan Pettit, QB-LB; Danny Garcia, E-DE.

Promising Newcomers: Will Monroe, RB-DE; Kolby Foard, C-NT; Evan Thompson, E-NT.

Basic Offense: I-formation.

Basic Defense: 3-3.

Keys To Success: The defense allowed more than 44 points a game last season. But there should be improvement with five starters back. Hall cites the Owls’ inability to hold a 13-12 lead in the third quarter against Groom on Oct. 10 as the game that knocked them out of the playoff hunt. Groom beat Hedley, 33-26. The Owls will have to be able to maintain leads — no matter how slim — to be a factor.

High School Enrollment: 58.

JV Record: None.

Playoff History: None.