The first year head football coach of the Highland Huskies will have the luxury of several returning skilled playmakers on offense. Joe Donovan says he will rely on the leadership of three seniors including: Tony Olguin, Spencer Weiland, and Nick Sandburg.

Sandburg was a second team all-district receiver in 2014, catching 21 passes for 226 yards and three touchdowns.

Donovan adds, his large junior class brings a lot of talent to the table, “They bring a lot of lineman and skill position players.” Donovan said, “There is a nice mix of talent and the kids have been very receptive to me, very coachable, and a lot of players showed up in the weight room this summer to get better.”

Among the notable junior returners is Jake Wood, who threw 77 percent of the team’s passes last season at quarterback. Wood collected 1284 yards through the air in 2014, throwing 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Last year’s top receiver, junior Trent Lasek, is also returning for the Huskies. Lasek led the team with 508 receiving yards, recorded a team best 22.1 yards per catch, and grabbed a team-high six touchdowns.

The biggest skill position losses from last season are in the backfield. The Huskies top two rushers, Brian Garcia and Josh Kasparek, have both graduated. The duo combined for 1,098 rushing yards and all 12 of the team’s rushing touchdowns.

Donovan says minimizing penalties and turnovers are key for Highland to have a successful offensive 2015 campaign. The season begins for the Huskies on Friday, August 28, hosting the Danville Bears.