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The words "Clarksburg football" and "underdog" will be reunited this fall.

Three seasons ago, the Coyotes deserved the label simply because their school had just opened. But after a 3-6 debut, the program turned into a Montgomery County powerhouse with two consecutive undefeated regular seasons.

Its reward? A classification bump from 2A to 3A, and a "chance" to share a division with Damascus, Seneca Valley and Quince Orchard, which combined for 29 wins and three playoff appearances in 2008.

"We do have some tradition now," said Clarksburg head coach Larry Hurd. "I think those three — Seneca, QO and Damascus — are the favorites right now. We've got to catch up with that, but it's fun playing the underdog role."

It will not be easy, considering the loss of All-Gazette first-teamer Avery Graham (University of Maryland), fellow Division I signee Myles Daughtry (New Mexico), and a host of others who will be playing college football this season.

That said, do not feel too sorry for the Coyotes. While there are question marks, they bring back several talents who match up favorably with any of their other division rivals.

But their playoff hopes may rest on performances in yet unproven positions, none more important than quarterback. Senior Tyler Stevens steps into the breach, and though it is his first year under center, he was accurate in several seven-on-seven passing league victories this summer. A preseason sprained ankle should be healed by opening day.

Stevens is blessed with an arsenal of explosives, including classmates Ace Clark (6-foot-3, 185 pounds), Sam Collins (6-1, 185) and Andrew Veith. Though the smallest of the three, Veith was the Coyotes' leading receiver a year ago, averaging nearly 20 yards per catch.

"He's a stud," said Hurd. "Andrew went to the Maryland camp this summer and ran a 4.39-[second] 40, which they adjusted to 4.45, so he's flying. He's actually led us in receiving the last two years."

Tight end/defensive end Jeff Gatling is also a returning starter.

The receiving corps combines for an even better defensive backfield. Veith returned three interceptions for touchdowns a season ago, while Collins picked off seven and Clark pilfered five. Senior Damian Pride rounds out a unit that remains completely intact.

They back a proven linebacking corps, including seniors Brent Kidwell (5-11, 185) and two-way starter Kyle Shafer (5-10, 205). Called by Hurd "our strongest player," Shafer is a rarity in high school football: A four-year starter. Stout defensive tackle Calvin Dove (5-8, 245) adds another playmaker to the fold.

Other than Shafer, however, Clarksburg does have a wet-behind-the-ears offensive line. Hurd has confidence that it can win with quickness up front, with right tackle Alex Sofillas (6-0, 235), Camilla Amaya (5-11, 230) and Eric Olson (5-9, 230).

"The line is young and a little inexperienced on both sides of the ball, but they're coming along," said Hurd. "We have nine of 11 starters back on defense. So we had a very good class last year. … We think we have a pretty good class this year, too."

Clarskburg

Head coach: Larry Hurd, 4th year (25-8 record; 7th overall, 56-12)

League: Montgomery 3A

Last year's record: 10-1

Last playoff appearance: 2008 (2nd)

Last state title: None

Players to watch: WR Andrew Veith, LB/C Kyle Shafer, QB Tyler Stevens

2008 schedule

Sept. 5 — Walter Johnson (W), 12-7

Sept. 12 — Blake (W), 21-0.

Sept. 19 — Northwood (W), 48-6

Sept. 26 — Wootton (W), 49-7

Oct. 3 — Poolesville (W), 55-0

Oct. 10 — B-CC (W), 25-14

Oct. 16 — Rockville (W), 32-14

Oct. 24 — Einstein (W), 34-6

Oct. 31 — Lansdowne (W), 41-6

Nov. 7 — Watkins Mill (W), 33-0

Nov. 14 — Middletown (L), 21-7*

*playoff game

2009 schedule

Sept. 4 — Seneca Valley, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 11 — at Northwood, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 17 — at Gaithersburg, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 — Watkins Mill, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 2 — at Einstein, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 9 — Quince Orchard, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 16 — Kennedy, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 23 — at Paint Branch, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 30 — at Damascus, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 6 — Wootton, 6:30 p.m.