STAFF WRITER

The first sign that a high school football program has reached "elite" status is when it reloads every fall, not rebuilds.

The second sign is when the school's football trophy case needs to be expanded.

Welcome, Canton, to elite status.

With an offensive line that averages 6-foot-2, 228 pounds, and a backfield that could double as a 400-meter relay team, the Chiefs are as big and fast as last year's 11-1 conference and district championship team.

Whether Canton is talented enough to equal or surpass the 2003 team's accomplishments will be answered beginning Friday night at Ann Arbor Pioneer.

"I'm excited about this year's team," said coach Tim Baechler. "We're just as fast defensively as we were last year and probably a little quicker offensively. Potentially, this could be a very good team."

Graduated from last year's one-loss squad are key contributors Ray Eisbrenner, Eric O'Shaughnessy, Devin Thomas, Franz Gatzke, Matt Paye and Travis McKinney.

Replacing McKinney as the Chiefs' primary ball carrier will be senior Julian Smith (6-5, 220), who earned considerable playing time last year.

"Julian doesn't run like a guy who is 6-5," Baechler said. "He's explosive and a very hard runner. He'll run the ball a lot for us this year."

Smith will be joined in the Chiefs' starting offensive backfield by bruising senior fullback Chuck Schumacher (5-11, 180) and junior halfback Andy Rossow (6-0, 175). Schumacher churned out more than 1,000 yards as a junior last season.

"Chuck had a great year last year and he's stronger, faster and hungrier this year," Baechler said. "Andy has excellent speed and he runs hard."

Rodney Preston, a 5-10, 155-pound senior, will provide the Chiefs with depth at the running-back position.

Junior Shawn Little (6-1, 175) returns as the team's quarterback.

"Shawn has excellent speed and great arm strength," Baechler said. "He should be a big play-maker for us this season."

When Little throws the ball, more often than not he'll be firing spirals at senior tight ends Jake Powers (6-2, 230) and Brian Rider (6-2, 185).

Canton's large interior line will be anchored by senior center Mitch Miller (5-8, 220). He'll be flanked by senior guards Matt D'Avanzo (6-0, 250) and Russ Bruner (6-2, 215).

Senior Eric Kilijanczyk (6-2, 255) will start at left tackle. As of Wednesday, senior Kevin Pruett (6-4, 220) and junior Fred Keena (6-2, 260) were still battling for the starting right-tackle slot.

Bolstering the defensive line will be senior tackles P.J. Caram (5-10, 205) and Brian Wagner (5-10, 245), and Rossow, who will play noseguard.

"Andy is effective at the nose because he's strong, tough and quick," Baechler said.

First-year player Josh Perkovich (6-6, 320) will see plenty of time on the defensive line as well, Baechler said.

The Chiefs' linebacking corps will blend two veterans with two inexperienced players. The veterans are Powers, a three-year starter, and senior Jeff Hudson (5-10, 185), who will man the inside positions. The new players are outside backers Schumacher and junior Jeff Piper (6-3, 190).

Smith will shift from his outside linebacking spot of a year ago to free safety this year. Matt Sweda, a 5-11,170-pound junior, will play strong safety.

Senior Dave Neu (5-7, 155) and Scott Steffes (5-10, 175) will fill the cornerback positions for the Chiefs.

Eric McKey, a member of the Canton soccer team, will handle the place-kicking duties. Smith will punt for the Chiefs.

"We have a tough schedule, especially early on," Baechler said. "Pioneer is returning a lot of players, including their quarterback and best running back, and Walled Lake Central (Canton's second opponent) should have a strong team, too.

"Our goals, like every year, will be to get into the playoffs and win the league championship."