2017 La Vergne football: What you need to know

After missing out on the playoffs in their last season in 5A, La Vergne's football team is optimistic of a return trip to the postseason in Class 6A in 2017.

Coach Stanton Stevens will lead an experienced group into the season.

Here is what you need to know about the Wolverines entering the 2017 season:

The skinny

Coach: Stanton Stevens

Last season: 3-7 (3-4 in 5-5A)

Region: Region 5-6A

Notable

Moved into Region 5-6A this season, where it will continue to play past region foes Stewarts Creek and Cane Ridge but also will add rivals Smyrna and Antioch to league play ... Already hit by the injury bug, with running back/linebacker Kendrick Furlow out for the season with a knee injury ... Two former players are now Vols – linebacker Maleik Gray and wide receiver Princeton Fant.

Returning starters

Offense (5): QB Keianthony Connor, WR Josh Lewis, WR Jason Bush, C Malachi Phillips, TE Nick Myers.

Defense (7): DE Tyree Garner, LB A.J. Wallace, LB Jeffy Homsombath, LB Stanton Stevens, CB Gerry Ivy, S Josh Lewis, CB Jason Bush.

Speaking stats

Connor was 64-of-107 for 868 yards and seven touchdowns a season ago; Lewis had 23 receptions for 254 yards; Garner had 39 tackles and two sacks; Wallace had 38 tackles.

Inside the numbers

5: Times the Wolverines scored more than 30 points in a game last season.

Quotable

"I feel good about this team and what we can accomplish. Our goal is to make the playoffs and stay healthy. We're already pretty thin, but as long as we don't suffer any more major injuries, we have a chance. The last game of the season against Stewarts Creek will be big.

"(Connor) is primed to be an exceptional quarterback. We will be able to do some things offensively when the line jells. We've got to play better run defense." – Stevens

Schedule

All games begin at 7 p.m.

*Aug. 18 vs. Smyrna; Aug. 25 at Franklin Co.; *Sept. 1 at Cane Ridge; Sept. 8 at Lebanon; *Sept. 15 vs. McGavock; Sept. 22 at Whites Creek; *Sept. 29 at Antioch; Oct. 6 vs. Wilson Central; *Oct. 20 at Overton; *Oct. 27 vs. Stewarts Creek.

* - Region game