The Early County Bobcats open their 2008 football season Friday night, hosting the Bainbridge Bearcats at refurbished Standifer Field at 8 p.m.

"We are excited and ready to get the season going," head coach Trey Woolf said, "Bainbridge will be a big challenge and I'm ready to see how we will handle that challenge."

There will be a lot of new faces on both sides of the ball this year for the Bobcats. The offense returns only three starters from last year and the defense just two. "We have graduated two large classes in a row and those guys played the bulk of the minutes the last three years. So these guys have been waiting for a chance to show what they've got and play. I think we have some talent, but it's unproven talent from a game standpoint," Woolf said.

The defense will be anchored in the middle by returning starter Jamarcus Backey at nose guard. The defensive tackle position will be played by Charodd Richardson. The defensive ends will be Okoye Yarbrough and Chevaun Lester. Charond Richardson will also see playing time on the defensive front.

Kajuane "Scooter" Freeman and Marquis "Speedy" George will play the inside linebacker spots, with Jerry Hightower and Quayven Levatte starting at the two outside spots. The corners will be Omar Williams and Josh Wells. The most experienced starter on defense will be senior free safety Shawn Williams. The Georgia commit has started since his freshman year.

The offensive line will have to lead the way for a young group of Bobcats. All of the returning starters are on the offensive line. Senior tackle Caleb Freeman, junior guard Jordan Heath and junior center Kaylon Harrell, will be joined by T.J. Brown at tackle and Sam Stinson at guard.

"We are going to expect a lot out of these guys, because the other six guys on this unit have never started a high school game." Woolf said.

Senior Antonio Williams will start at quarterback. Ronald Latson and Camry Flowers will start at fullback and halfback respectively. Devontavious Salter will also see a lot of playing time in the backfield.

The receiver group will play several different people in the Bobcats' spread formation. Zack Redding, Jermaine Ramsey and T.J. Allen will all play wideout for Early County. Brashaad Taylor will start at tight end and be backed up by Jamaal McCray.

"The skill people have some speed and ability. The question is how quick they can adjust to the speed of a real high school game." Woolf said.

Shawn Williams will punt and Backey will handle the place kicking for Early County.

"Our kids are looking forward to representing Early County High School and the community. It's something we take pride in doing. I have no doubt they will give everything they've got. We're just really excited to get things going." Woolf said.