Previewing: Willowbrook

Willowbrook suffered through a miserable six weeks at the start of last season, and then it finally came together.

That's the starting point for this year's team.

"I thought we started to get things going at the end of last year," said Warriors coach Mark Olson, whose team won two of its final three games. "If we grow with our discipline and intensity level, I truly feel this team has a lot of potential."

Fifteen starters return in near equal amounts on both sides of the ball, although a few of the players will be two-way starters. The thin roster consists of 45 players, which means the Warriors must stay healthy.

The entire backfield returns, including running backs Jibril Jones, who rushed for 461 yards, third-year starter Steven Frobel and fullback Mike McLean.

Brad Collins is back at quarterback after starting the last six games last season. He completed 55 percent of his passes for 466 yards, 5 touchdowns and no interceptions. All-conference receiver-defensive back Mike Elgeness caught 13 passes.

Josh Rochel, Kevin Carroll and Anthony Soto return to the offensive line to complete an overall experienced unit.

"We threw Jones into the fire as a sophomore and we moved Frobel from defense, so hopefully a year under their belts pays some dividends," Olson said. "With everyone we need to see some growth from last year to this year."

The defense will be stout with returning linemen Darius Zilius, Anthony DiBella and Jose Castro. Middle linebacker Eric Windmoeller and three defensive backs also return.

"We'll be a lot more aggressive on defense," Olson said.

A year removed from the playoffs, the Warriors have the talent and experience to make it back.

"We finished strong last season and had a great off-season," Olson said. "We just want to pick up from where we left off."