Chaffee has produced back-to-back 3-7 seasons under coach Allan Horrell, which might not seem like such a great accomplishment.

But those records look a little better when one takes into account several factors. First, prior to 1999, the Red Devils hadn't won as many as three games in a season since 1991 (their last winning record came in 1990). And second, Chaffee's pre-district schedule is filled with nothing but larger schools.

"It's tough for us every year going up against bigger schools," said Horrell. "Basically, if we can survive the early part of the schedule, we're OK. But it's usually the constant drive that wears us down."

If the Red Devils are going to take a step upward from 3-7 this year, then Horrell knows a lot of things are going to have to fall into place, including the dilemma of replacing 10 valuable seniors -- four of them all-SEMO Conference skill position players.

Shoes to fill

Among Chaffee's graduation losses from a year ago were quarterback Travis Hanback -- who passed for more than 1,000 yards each of the past two seasons -- along with running back G.P. Glueck and wide receivers Jeremy Lynn and Perry Rice, who all also stood out defensively while shining on offense.

"That's going to be the big key, replacing those guys," Horrell said. "We called them caged dynamite. We ran up against bigger schools every week yet they were all-conference first team and put up some of the best numbers in the area."

Taking over for Hanback at quarterback will be transfer Derrick Uhrhan, who was in the program as a freshman before moving and spending the last two years at Delta. He has moved back to Chaffee.

"We feel like Derrick can do a good job for us," said Horrell.

Jeremy Hahn will take over for Glueck at tailback while Jeremy Dannenmueller will be at fullback.

"Right now we look OK in the backfield," said Horrell. "They're still learning, but they have to realize they're the guys."

Several receivers are being counted on, including James Reischman.

"He has a knack for finding the open area," Horrell said.

Horrell looks for the Red Devils' offensive line -- which returns plenty of experience -- to perhaps be the squad's strength.

Four-year starter back

Leading the way up front is Jeremy Townsend, a four-year starter.

"Jeremy is kind of the leader of our offensive line," said Horrell. "I've counted on him for four years and he's always been there. He kind of holds them together."

Other returning starters up front are Zac Horman, Brent Thomason and Brett Graham.

"The line should be our strength," said Horrell.

Horrell said that defense, however, could be a question mark as the Red Devils must replace virtually all of their linebackers and secondary personnel. Townsend, Thomason and Horman do have experience defensively.

Overall, Horrell said he's hopeful the Red Devils can improve on last year's record but he knows it won't be easy.

"We've been 3-7 two years in row and I told the guys if nothing else, we want at least one more victory to take the next step," he said. "But with our schedule, it's tough to do."

CHAFFEE

Coach, year, record: Allan Horrell, 3rd year, 6-14

Enrollment, class size: 207, Class 1A

Key Players returning: DE Zac Horman, OF Brent Thomason

Key Players lost: QB Travis Hanback, RB/LB G.P. Glueck, WR/DB Jeremy Lynn, WR/DB Perry Rice

Returning starters: 10

2001 schedule:

(All times are 7:30 unless noted)

A. 31 vs. Grandview

S. 7 vs. Fredericktown

S. 14 vs. Piggott, Ark.

S. 22 at Portageville

S. 28 vs. Scott City

O. 5 at East Prairie

O. 12 at Malden

O. 19 vs. St. Vincent

O. 26 at Hayti

N. 1 at Valle

2000 Results:

at Grandview W 40-14

at Fredericktown L 39-6

at Piggott, Ark. L 49-0

vs. Portageville W 19-0

at Scott City L 36-21

vs. East Prairie W 20-6

vs. Malden L 41-14

at St. Vincent L 35-0

vs. Hayti L 36-7

vs. Valle L 43-14

Probable starters:

OFFENSE

QB Derrick Uhrhan (5-10, 151, sr.)

RB Jeremy Hahn (5-9, 146, sr.)

FB Jeremy Dannenmueller (5-10, 164, sr.)

T Zac Horman (6-1, 185, jr.)

T Ryan Goetz (6-0, 165, jr.)

C Jeremy Townsend (5-10, 195, sr.)

G Brent Thomason (6-1, 207, jr.)

G Brett Graham (6-1, 198, sr.)

TE Chris Wood (5-11, 150, sr.)

WR James Reischman (5-11, 140, so.)

FL Nick Powderly (5-10, 132, so.)

DEFENSE:

DL Ryan Goetz (6-0, 165, jr.)

DL Dannanmueller (5-10, 164, sr.)

DL Brett Graham (6-1, 198, sr.)

DL Gabe Walter (5-11, 238, fr.)

DL Jeremy Townsend (5-10, 195, sr.)

LB Zac Horman (6-1, 185, jr.)

LB Brent Thomason (6-1, 207, jr.)

SS Brandon Davis (5-10, 132, so.)

FS Robert Coomer (5-9, 135, jr.)

CB James Reischman (5-11, 140, so.)

CB Nick Powderly (5-10, 132, so.)

SPECIAL TEAMS: (K) Brandon Davis, 5-10, 132, so.; (P) Thomason, 6-1, 207, jr.; (KR) Reischman, 5-11, 140, so.; (PR) Davis, 5-10, 132, so.

Key substitutes: (OL/DL) Dustin Carter, 6-0, 188, jr.; (WR) B.J. Spitzer (5-11, 128, jr.)

Strengths:

Offensive line, which is one of the few experienced positions on the team

Weaknesses:

Inexperienced skill position players

Rugged schedule featuring mostly larger schools

Player Profile

Name: Jeremy Townsend

Position: Center/NG

Keys to season: "We've got a lot of returning linemen coming back and that will be our strength. But we'll have to get the quarterback position into shape."

Personal goals: "To have as much fun as I can."

Superstitions: "I always listen to music before a game, something like Korn or the Doors usually."

Best thing about football: "It's a fun sport to play. I just like the rush you get with the people there to cheer you on. And it's a good way to hang out with my friends."