Despite having new faces in the backfield, Washington head football coach Garrison Carter says the development of the team’s offensive line is crucial for a return trip to the playoffs in 2015.

The Demons graduated three seniors from last year’s offensive line, including first team all-district lineman Tommy Peterson, all-district honorable mention Kyle Collier, and Brad Skubal. Carter says depth at the position is lacking but does have young core group of linemen to watch out for. “Our projected depth chart since we went through camp includes one senior, two juniors, and two sophomores starting on the offensive line for us.” Carter said, “There’s another junior in the mix, it could be three juniors and one sophomore on the line, but we won’t have a lot of seniors up front.”

The Demons return a pair of juniors who played nearly every snap during the 2014 campaign in first team all-district lineman Seth Townsen and all-district honorable mention Aaron Vittetoe. Carter’s post-camp depth chart has senior Tanner Renoux lining up as the team’s center. The other two spots along the line will be fought for by senior Grant Shive, juniors Gabe Greiner and Chandler Reid, and sophomore Mark Engelken.

The Demons’ are also looking for their replacement for Thomas Bump at the tight end position. Junior Bryce Sinn appears to be the team’s front runner for the starting spot.

The first official practice of the season will be held Monday, August 10. The Demons kick off the season on Friday, August 28, against the defending Class 3A state champions the Pella Little Dutch. Live play-by-play coverage from Pella High School begins with the Washington Hy-Vee Pregame Show at 6:30 p.m. on FM 106.1 and KCIIRadio.com.