Kentlake has a number of returning starters from last season.

Falcons Coach Mike Shepard heads into his fourth year looking to make gains from last year.

“I look to see the Falcons improve on last season’s mark of 4-6,” Shepard said in an e-mail. “The team is returning its entire starting offensive line and many of its skill kids.”

Shepard will look to Mike Holzberger, Jesse Giloman, and Tyler Wright, a trio of seniors who will play both sides of the ball, to provide leadership. Other key returners for the Falcons are Taylor Guiberson, Tyler Jewett, Jesse Salazar and Tyler Mortonson.

Giordan Smith, Michael Salazar, Austin Pernell and Ryan Archibald are key newcomers for Kentlake.

He expects the experience his returning players to be key this fall.

“Since the team was fairly young last season, they have some valuable experience,” Shepard said. “In order to accomplish this we need to capitalize on our experience and avoid making the kids of mistakes that cost us games last season… a little luck and staying injury free wouldn’t hurt.”