BELLBROOK — With an experienced quarterback and weapons on the outside, Bellbrook will be looking to the air for success in 2009.

“I would have to say that we are going to be more of a passing team,” Bellbrook head coach Kevin Basinger said. “We would like to have maybe 60/40 split on run-pass, and we have put a lot of time into opening up the offense little more.”

Leading the offense will be senior quarterback Jay Bucher who will be entering his second season as the Golden Eagles’ starter. Bucher was named as the team’s Most Valuable Offensive Player last season and was a 1st Team All-League selection.

One of main targets on the outside should be senior wideout Kyle McKinniss. When the Golden Eagles keep the ball on the ground, center Matt Longo and guard Evan Haarmeyer will anchor the offensive line.

“Our offense was looking pretty good in the scrimmage [against Beavercreek], but we just need to make sure that we are more consistent and can capitalize on opportunities.”

On the defensive side of the ball, senior middle linebacker Zac Rogal, a 2nd Team All-League selection in 2008, should roam the middle of the field. Up front, Jacob O’Boyle is expected to anchor the line at nose tackle and Brian Baird will be relied upon to make plays at defensive end and linebacker.

“I think our defense is coming along very nicely,” Basinger said.

The Golden Eagles got off to a promising start last season with four straight wins, but a midseason five-game losing streak derailed the run at a league title. Bellbrook did rebound to end the year on a good note with a 16-6 win over Milton-Union in the season finale to finish with a 5-5 record.

“We obviously don’t want the kids to look ahead, so we do take it week-to-week, but it‘s always a goal of ours to win a league championship and get a playoff berth,” Basinger said.

Bellbrook opens the season with a road contest at Miamisburg on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. The Golden Eagles blanked Miamisburg, 28-0, in the season-opener in 2008.

After the opener, Bellbrook has two home games, the first with always-tough Alter, and the Golden?Eagles will host county-rival Xenia in Week 3. Bellbrook ends the season at home against Milton-Union.