Mortimer Jordan head coach Dusty Goode doesn’t have a wealth of seniors on this year’s roster, in fact, his fourth-year representatives total only 12. However, what his Class of 2018 lacks in numbers, it more than makes up for in playoff wins.

Over the last three years, the class has helped Mortimer Jordan to a 10-win season in 2014, a state runner-up finish in 2015 and a quarterfinals appearance last year. In total, this year’s senior class holds a 33-7 record with the Blue Devils.

But, according to Goode, his team will have a different look this year.

“It’s going to be totally different than the way we looked in the past,” said Goode. “I’m probably as excited this year as I’ve ever been because we have a lot of unknowns, but we have a lot of good players that can play high school football.”

The Blue Devils bring back eight starters on the defensive side and six more on offense.

Their offensive openings are significant, as they graduated a 2,000-yard rusher (Spencer Brown), an ASWA All-State receiver (Trey Peters) and a starting quarterback (Douglas Moore).

The quarterback battle comes down to three guys: junior Jackson Bryant, sophomore Kourtlan Marsh and freshman Hunter Boren.

“All three guys that we’re looking at can run pretty well and throw it pretty well, so we’re just looking for the one that can lead and take charge,” said Goode.

In order to replace the production left by Spencer Brown, who will dress for UAB as the Blazers return to the field this fall, Goode must look to a backfield by committee.

“It’s going to be led by committee,” said Goode. We’ve got about six guys that I think can score anytime the touch the ball. I believe we can get the same production, but in different ways.”

Mortimer Jordan fans can expect to see senior JuJu Washington get his share of touches. He won’t bring the power seen from Brown last season, but his big-play potential is sure to keep him in the Blue Devils’ rotation.

Coming off a Class 5A, Region 6 championship, Mortimer Jordan has an opportunity to win back-to-back league titles for the first time in school history.

Erik Harris is the Sports Editor of The North Jefferson News. Email him at njnsports@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jeharris2.