Tyler Johnson has nine offensive starters returning for his second season as head football coach at New Hope and eight on defense, a strong base for a push for a playoff spot for the Indians for the first time since 2015.

“Having so many starters back on both sides of the ball in Year 2 of putting in a new system and what we’re doing is big,” Johnson said. “I think for us our goal is to just win the first game against Sardis and then after that just keep building from there as we get into region play. I’m excited about this team and I think we have the potential to get into the playoffs.”

Johnson has a strong anchor on offense in senior offensive tackle Riley McGehee. The 6-foot-6, 275-pounder has committed to play college football for the U.S. Naval Academy.

Last season, McGehee was the only upperclassman working with freshman and sophomores on the line as the Indians averaged 17.8 points a game. McGehee said experience and a strong feeling of togetherness should make a difference this year.

“We have a group that will go out on the lake every other day and go eat together and then when it’s time to work we get after it,” said McGehee. “We put in the work and we’re not afraid to sweat. We’re just like a family.”

McGehee also plays basketball, but said he gets more satisfaction from a pancake block than a slam dunk.

Senior running back Bryson Graham, at 5-10, 160, is also another leader New Hope will be counting on in 2023. Jamari Cooper will handle kickoff and place-kicking duties with Van Medford lining up at punter.

Johnson expects to dress around 50 players when the season starts at Sardis on Aug. 25.

The Indians finished tied for fifth in Class 4A Region 8 with a 2-5 region mark, 4-6 overall. Region opponents are Priceville, Randolph, Westminster Christian, Madison County, St. John Paul II, North Jackson and DAR.