HOLLY POND — The Broncos have come a long way since Mike Bates took over the reins in 2013.

Now, they want to take it up a notch.

Fresh off the program’s first winning season since 2007 and first playoff appearance since 2011, the Green and White — despite the need to replace a handful of departed seniors — have all the confidence in the world of doling out an encore performance beginning with an Aug. 25 season opener against Coosa Christian.

Holly Pond, which scored a school-record 378 points last season, plays five of its first six games at home, which could offer up a nice opportunity to build some early momentum heading into the latter part of its region schedule.

Need that quick fix? Sneak a peek at this year’s Broncos below and check back for a full story, roster and team pictures in The Times’ annual football preview section on Wednesday, Aug. 23.

2017 Holly Pond At-A-Glance

Head Coach: Mike Bates (Fifth Year)

Last Year’s Record: 6-5

Key Departures: Michael Lambert (QB); Caleb Jones (RB/LB); Dylan Morton (WR); Mason May (OL/DL); Romey Suryono (DB); Jose Casimiro (OL/DL); Jacob Wilson (OL/DL); Jason Foshee (OL/DL); Matt Cahoon (WR); Zachary Naler (TE/LB)

Key Returners: Luis Garcia (DB); Kyler Chaney (QB/DB); Isaac Schwaiger (OL/LB); Riley Gillilan (OL/DL); Alex Corneglio (WR/DL); Tyler Boatright (TE/DL); Kyle Sellers (LB/WR); Jordan McCormick (LB/OL); Colyn Cofield (OL/DL); Brody Rowell (RB/LB)

Key Newcomers: Jacob Ring (LB/OL); Brandon Armstrong (OL/DL)

Odds and Ends: Larry Reed and Mark Cornelius have joined the coaching staff. Reed is Holly Pond’s new offensive coordinator, while Cornelius will coach the offensive line … Kyler Chaney will take over the starting duties under center following the departure of longtime quarterback Michael Lambert, who has since moved on to Huntingdon College … The Broncos are looking for back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since 2004-05.

Coach Speak: “The kids that went through what we went through before last season … they never gave up hope. And this bunch is going to be a direct result of their attitude. This is the hardest-working group I’ve ever had here. They aren’t the most talented group, but they are the hardest-working group.” — Mike Bates

Player Speak: “I’m really excited to be back out here. We want to continue what we started last year, which is getting wins. I hope we can keep doing that.” — Brody Rowell

“We’ve been working hard to get faster and stronger.” — Colyn Cofield

“We lost a few guys, but we have some guys out here with some incredible intensity. I’m not worried about the defense. I think we’re going to knock some heads off this year. I’m more excited now than I’ve ever been.” — Kyle Sellers

2017 Schedule

% Aug. 25 vs. Coosa Christian

% Sept. 1 vs. Brindlee Mountain

% Sept. 8 at J.B. Pennington*

% Sept. 15 vs. Susan Moore*

% Sept. 22 BYE

% Sept. 29 at Asbury

% Oct. 6 vs. Locust Fork*

% Oct. 13 at Hanceville*^

% Oct. 20 vs. Fultondale*

% Oct. 27 at Vinemont*^

% Nov. 3 at Fairview^

*Class 3A, Region 6 Game

^Cullman County Game