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What made the Landon football team good last year was simple mathematics.

The Bears won their third Interstate Athletic Conference title in five years because they filled 11 starting offensive and 11 defensive positions with 22 different, capable players.

Expect much of the same this year. Maybe.

"Since I took over, we've been a two-platoon team, sometimes fully on offense and defense," said Landon head coach Rob Bordley. "We just don't have many big guys this year, not quite the depth. As of right now, we only have one guy going both ways. But with just one injury, I mean, that could all change."

Bordley was quick to note that the Bears' 9-1 season a year ago was made possible, in large part, by a veteran offensive line with mostly multiple-year starters. Not one returns, save tight end Luke Howard, a bruising blocker who also nabbed three touchdown passes a year ago.

Six-foot-3, 265-pound junior Ben Spiritos does give the Bears size they don't ordinarily possess, while Blake Alexander, Alex Selowsky and Will Joyce will start on an otherwise undersized line.

However, as Bordley says, "We always tend to be undersized because we run lots of misdirections with guards pulling. We feel like we need angles."

On offense, the skill positions are mostly intact. Senior quarterback Sam McDonogh threw seven touchdowns versus just three interceptions a year ago, and he has his best targets back in Howard and split end Austin Dodson. As a bonus, the Bears return fullback Joe Paoletta, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the 2008 opener against Archbishop Carroll; in the Bears' Wing-T offense, he will get plenty of touches.

The toughest loss on offense was halfback Jeff Izon, who came from nowhere as a senior to rush for over 1,000 yards. However, his replacement is talented senior Delonte Wellington, who is currently the only two-way starter on the roster.

"He's an excellent safety," said Bordley. "If I had my way, we wouldn't do it, but we just don't have the bodies not to have [him both ways]. I told Wellington, ‘If you need a blow, you let me know immediately,' because we just can't afford injuries."

Otherwise, the Bears have plenty to be excited about on a defensive unit that allowed just under 10 points per game last fall. The line is especially tough, with bruising junior end Max Lehrman, senior tackle Terrence Fullum and senior David Amaro, whom Bordley calls "by far our best defensive player."

They are complemented by linebackers John Blizzard and Keegan Dolan, but the Bears are especially strong in the secondary. Wellington is flanked by promising junior Kellen Miller, while the corners include hard-hitting senior Kiel Wiegmann, classmates Michael Thornton and junior Patrick Keena, who "is pushing hard to grab one of the starting spots."

"Last season was great because we beat some very good teams," said Bordley. "We play Prep this year, which is always exciting. It's a tough schedule but I think a lot will come down to if we can stay healthy."

Landon

Head coach: Rob Bordley, 7th year (38-20 record)

League: Interstate Athletic Conference

Last year's record: 9-1, IAC champions

Last league title: 2008 (19th overall)

Players to watch: QB Sam McDonogh, RB/DB Delonte Wellington, WR Austin Dodson, DL David Amaro

2008 results

Sept. 8 — Carroll (W), 25-0

Sept. 13 — Mercersburg Academy (W), 33-19

Sept. 20 — McNamara (W), 24-6

Sept. 27 — McDonogh (W), 15-14

Oct. 3 — Episcopal (W), 38-10

Oct. 10 — Woodberry Forest (L), 17-3

Oct. 18 — St. Stephen's/St. Agnes (W), 34-12

Oct. 25 — Bullis (W), 33-0

Oct. 31 — Leonardtown (W), 49-7

Nov. 8 — St. Albans (W), 20-14

2009 schedule

Sept. 12 — at Carroll, 2 p.m.

Sept. 18 — Mercersburg, 4 p.m.

Sept. 25 — Riverdale Baptist, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 3 — at McDonogh, 1 p.m.

Oct. 9 — Episcopal, 4:15 p.m.

Oct. 17 — at Woodberry Forest, 2 p.m.

Oct. 24 — at St. Stephen's & St. Agnes, 1 p.m.

Oct. 31 — Bullis, 1 p.m.

Nov. 7 — Georgetown Prep, 2 p.m.

Nov. 14 — at St. Albans, 1 p.m.