EASTLAND — There are several reasons for optimism in the Eastland camp heading into first-year coach Bobby Schuman’s inaugural season. 

To begin with, the Mavs have eight starters on both sides of the ball coming back from last year’s 1-9 club, 18 returning lettermen and a healthy varsity roster of around 30 players. 

Most of Eastland’s skill is back, including an experienced quarterback in Isaiah Hays (1,840 yards passing, 16 TDs), one of the area’s top receivers in Jay Oznick (36 catches, 657 yards) and a huge overall increase in team maturity.