Once again, Statesboro has a serious chance to contend for a state championship.
    With 23 seniors, an explosive offensive backfield and a strong, solid defense — the Blue Devils feel 2008 has the potential to be their year.
    “It starts off with our senior class,” said coach Steve Pennington. “They’ve demonstrated the leadership that it takes to prosper and be successful. Because you demonstrate it, doesn’t mean you will — but it at least gives us a chance.”
    Among those seniors is the four studs in the backfield.
    Quarterback Luke Connell is the general that leads the way, while backs Nic Lanier and Patrick Jenkins have both the speed and power to put up big numbers. Unsung hero Johnathan Coleman is a bulldozer at fullback.
    “Having them back is good in its own right,” Pennington went on. “But it’s imperative that we make great strides in improvement on what we had last year. We need to raise our level of play in those positions and become fearful in the eyes of our opponents.”
    Lanier rushed for 589 yards in 2007 while Jenkins added 576. Both were never 100 percent healthy throughout the campaign.
    As for Connell, the right-hander is getting looks from Georgia Southern, Furman and Vanderbilt, among others.
    All four of the aforementioned will run behind an offensive line that is mobile and experienced. Pennington said there could be up to 12 in rotation on any given Friday night.
    “Size with mobility —there’s a big difference,” said Pennington. “Now we got some size, a little experience and some mobility and agility.  I think if you give this group some time to work together — our line could really be the key to our offensive success.”
    On defense, health will be the big key.
    The Devils have a solid group of core athletes, but depth is an issue.
    Jamie Malone and prospect Willie Burden lead the way up front. Rob Pennington and Willie Burden are talented linebackers, while Jeffrey Spells, Roquell Gambles and sophomore Joe Collins front a talented secondary.
    “We can’t play so nice,” said Pennington. “If we ever cross that fence — to where we have that passion — this defense could be pretty good. It’s going to depend on everyone to play as a complete unit.”
    On special teams, Graden Bozeman and Caleb Brown are the frontrunners to handle kicking duties. Pennington mentioned he’s still looking for someone to step-up and help create those elusive turnovers on punts and field goals.