A "buzz" has surrounded La Vergne High School football in the offseason based on how the Wolverines were able to finish the 2014 season.

La Vergne defeated Siegel 56-23 in its final regular-season game to earn a No. 7 seed and make the playoffs. The Wolverines then whipped No. 3 seed Cookeville 33-7 in the first round before falling to eventual semifinalist Oakland 23-7.

"We hope it has a huge carry over for us," said La Vergne coach Stanton Stevens. "There is still a buzz going on. We feel like we could see light at the end of the tunnel by making the second round. This year they expect to do better. If we go further, it's uncharted territory for us. It would speak volumes of where we've gone to. We're excited about the season and the potential we have."

The Wolverines also got a big break in realignment in they will now play at the 5A level instead of going up against the likes of Oakland, Blackman, Riverdale, Siegel and Smyrna every Friday night in 6A.

"We hope (realignment) does help us because we're used to playing against the highest level in the state week in and week out," Stevens said. "We hope it gives us an edge mentally.

"If you weren't ready to play in Rutherford County on Friday nights, you were going to get blown out. Any team could put 40 or points against you. So we're hoping those two things, the momentum we have and (realignment) will give us an edge."

Offensively, the Wolverines suffered a tough blow when standout receiver Princeton Fant went down with an ACL injury. However, Stevens expects the running game to set the tone.

"We lost our big-play receiver with a torn ACL, but I the think run game was going to be our strength anyway," he said. "Our offensive line will be dominated by four seniors and one junior. I think we'll be pretty good up front and we'll be able to run the ball."

Sophomore Keianthony Conner will take over at quarterback, a position played by Drew Howard last season.

"Our QB is a true quarterback. He probably won't play another position in high school," Stevens said. "Drew Howard was an athlete who was forced to play last year, and he did a great job despite playing out of position."

Defense should be a strength for the Wolverines due to their size and athleticism, Stevens said.

"We're going to be an old-school team," he said. "We loaded up the defense by putting most our best players there. Our philosophy will be if you can't score, you can't beat us.

"We'll be big up front. Both of our tackles top out at over 330. They're not just big, but they're strong and physical. Our linebackers can run downhill and make big plays."

Stevens said there is a question mark in the kicking game, which is a big concern considering the philosophy La Vergne will employ this season.

"We've got some question marks in the kicking game. We had a starting kicker and punter the last two years, and we didn't have to worry about that.

"If you can't punt or make an extra point, that's a huge concern if you're going to be a ball-control team. Field position will be huge and every point will be huge."

ANALYSIS

Stanton hit on two topics that certainly weigh in favor of the Woliverines. They're coming off a strong finish, and moving to Class 5A is nothing but a positive. Add to the fact La Vergne brings back a lot of talent, and you have a team that is poised to make a nice playoff run.

TEAM PERSONNEL

OFFENSE

QB: Keianthony Conner, So.

TB: Nick Jones, Sr.

FB: Ali Jordan, Sr.

WR: Jonah Tate, Sr.; Josh Lewis, So.

TE: Chris Meyers, Sr.

OL: Elijah Barbour, Sr.; Daz Dillard, Sr.; Andrew Marks; Dimitri Leger; Sr.; Trevon Etter, Jr.

DEFENSE

DL: Kendrick Furlow, So.; Jean Phil, Sr.; Andrew Marks, Sr.

LB: Maleik Gray, Jr.; Tyree Garner, So.; Aaron Jones, Sr.; J. Waters, Jr.

DB: Keytavies Bradley, Jr.; O'Shea Benjamin, Sr.

FS: Drew Howard, Sr.

ROVER: Gulecy Buni, Sr.

SPECIAL TEAMS

KICKER: Ryan Latimer, Sr.

PUNTER: Keianthony Conner, So.

Sports editor Monte Hale Jr. may be contacted at mhale@murfreesboropost.com