Starting 16 sophomores in 2011, it is no wonder why the Cass Colonels finished last in their region and did not win a game.

“We were beyond young, mostly [junior varsity] aged kids. They were all on the freshmen team during the 2010 season,” said head coach Rick Casko.

With all the sophomores returning for another season, they still have two more seasons which will allow the Colonels to grow together and learn each other’s style of play.

Among the young starters is junior quarterback Brandon Etheridge who will lead the team from behind the center again this season.

Casko has only brought the Colonels two winning seasons, 2004 and 2006, both with 7-4 overall records.

With the region reconstruction, this season, Cass moved into a subregion of 7-AAAA where they will only face one familiar team, Northwest Whitfield.

Head Coach: Rick Casko, 10th season as head coach, all at Cass (34-57-0)

Region: 7A-AAAA

Key Returners: RB Kelan Wells, QB Brandon Etheridge, LB Justin Reed, DB Deon Hardeson, DB Kadeem Buford, DB Drake Eddy

2011: 0-10 overall; 11th in Region 7-AAAA.

2012 schedule:

Aug. 31 at Adairsville

Sept. 7 Cartersville

Sept. 14 Heritage

Sept. 21 at NW Whitfield

Sept. 28 at Dalton

Oct. 5 Pickens Co.

Oct. 12 at Gilmer

Oct. 19 River Ridge

Oct. 26 at Cedartown

Nov. 9 Region play-in