Head coach: Ralph Potter (125-71 in 16 years here; 192-103 overall)
Returning starters: 8 offensive; 3 defensive
Key players: QB DeAngelo Hardy (5-11, 185); DL Jay Hardy (6-5, 285); OL Austin Gentle (6-3, 275); SE-DB Thompson Byrd (5-10, 170); CB Caleb Jones (6-1, 175); DE T.J. Mason (5-11, 250); RB B.J. Harris (5-11, 200); ATH Gavin Cagle (5-9, 170).
Team strengths: DeAngelo Hardy is back for his third season as the starting quarterback. Already a dangerous runner, he should be an improved passer after offseason shoulder surgery. Having Harris next to him in the backfield again adds another future college athlete capable of making big plays as well.
Team concerns: Just one starter (Jones) returns with much experience in the secondary. The Blue Tornado's schedule assures them of seeing several teams with dangerous passing attacks.
McCallie quarterback DeAngelo Hardy (10) runs with the ball during the McCallie vs. Bradley Central game in the Best of Preps football jamboree Friday, August 10, 2018 at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, Tennessee. "We've got a couple of guys that I'm really confident in back there, but we're still searching to decide who can do what," Potter said. "It's just a matter of getting them experience before we can determine who is ready."
Breakout candidate: Cagle is a transfer from Christian Academy of Knoxville who is an all-state-caliber wrestler and a versatile enough athlete to play in the backfield or at slot receiver.
Season outlook: With so much experience returning to an offense that averaged more than 30 points in 10 wins last year, McCallie should not have trouble scoring. DeAngelo Hardy and Harris are as good at their positions as anyone in the state and will have the luxury of playing behind an offensive line that returns almost fully intact - needing to replace just one starter.
Defense, which will be anchored by four-star prospect Jay Hardy, likely will be the determining factor for whether the Blue Tornado can clear that last hurdle and return to a state title game. McCallie fell just short last year, losing by three at Memphis University School in the semifinals.
"We want to develop a better passing game so we can be more balanced this year, but we feel good about our ability to run the ball," Potter said. "We'll have to bring it along week by week defensively. The kids we've got on that side of the ball will be OK eventually, but they're just not experienced or as physically mature as we were to start last season.
"We play at Brentwood Academy in week three, so we're aware there's some urgency to getting them ready."