Bayside Academy kicks off its second season in the 3A ranks August 28 on the road at Millry. The Admirals open their home schedule the following Friday, Sept. 4, against Calhoun County.

Head coach Phil Lazenby said significant numbers of starters were lost to graduation, but experience at key positions and several new players have the team energized about 2009.

"We're looking forward to it," he said. "Always do. Experience wise, we lost a little more on defense than offense. Don’t have a lot of depth so we're working on getting some players ready to play maybe more than they thought they would. We have a little experience on the offensive line and we're looking pretty good at where we're filling in."

On defense, the Admirals have even more filling in to do.

"In the secondary, we lost all of our starters, so we have some work to do there. We're also replacing three out of four on the defensive front. But we have good leadership and some experience with two linebackers coming back."

At quarterback, Lazenby is looking to Camp Campbell to run the offense.

"Camp is ready. He has come a long way, he’s smart, he can throw and run so he’s a double threat. But we don’t have any starting receivers back so we’re going to be limited in our spread look. We will focus on making running our strong point. We have to be able to throw and we will work on that."

At running back, the Admirals have a strong and experienced ball carrier in a returning Dave McKeithen. "Dave is solid and all heart. He's a punishing runner and blocker as well."

Accessing opponents, Lazenby identified the usual 3A suspects in Region 1. "T.R. Miller will be good, Straughn and Luverne are well coached, Cottage Hill will always be a competitive rivalry between us, and Choctaw County should be much improved. So as usual we have our work cut out for us, but the kids are dedicated and working hard to get ready."

Lazenby is also looking forward to visitors using the newly installed terraced bleachers on the far side of the Admirals' home field.

"It looks like a real football stadium now," he said. “We more than tripled our (Visitor) capacity and it will be a lot more comfortable as well as provide a better view for the crowd. We have to thank our boosters and everyone who pitched in to get it ready this year."

The Admirals return eight seniors in Lee Pittman. Kevin Nelson, Dave McKeithen, Pat James, Chris Ives, Matt Parker, John Stassen and Daniel Beebe.

Lazenby added that Michael Pierce, former Daphne quarterback and Bayside middle school coach has moved up to varsity assistant this year.