Coming off a rough 2-8 season in 2018, the Coleman Bluecats made some positive strides last year, finishing 3-4 in district on their way to a 4-6 campaign.

With the bulk of its talent back from that squad and a drop in classification to Class 2A Division I, coach John Elder’s team is hoping to take the next step this fall.

Among the 17 lettermen returning for the Bluecats, eight have starting experience on offense while seven topped the depth chart at their respective positions on defense. That experience — and an improvement in overall numbers — has Coleman shooting for a playoff return in 2020.