INSIDE LOOK: Independence Patriots

Head Coach: Justin Hardin (1st year at Independence)

2014 Record: 12-1

Key Returning Starters: Christian Colon, Sr. DL/OL (6-3, 315); Quantavious McGill, Sr., RB (5-11, 205); Elijah Small, Sr., CB/WR (5-10, 175); Cedric Stone, Sr., DB/WR (5-11, 170); Kima Bell, Sr., TE/DE (6-3, 220).

Key Newcomers: Elijah Beamer, Soph., RB/LB (5-8, 195); Xavier Lenear, Jr., DT (5-10, 220); Duane Perkins, Jr., WR (5-10, 175).

Returning Starters: 6

Returning Lettermen: 18

Outlook: Hardin takes over a team that lost only one game and has the talent with dominating OL/DL, Colon (Penn State commit), and powerful RB, McGill, to be among the top teams in the state again.

This story was originally published August 13, 2015 at 7:27 PM with the headline "INSIDE LOOK: Independence Patriots."