The face of Shawnee Mission Northwest football may need some time to re-establish itself.

After losing 21 seniors from a team that went 9-2, won eight games in a row and advanced to the state quarterfinals last year, SM Northwest might try its hardest to cover the blemishes that inexperience brings.

“The key to 2004 will be patience,” said coach Scott Diebold, in his 11th year with the Cougars. “The lack of Friday night experience will be a major issue early in the season. It will take time for us to come together.”

Diebold lost a talented 2003 senior class that finished second to Olathe East in the Sunflower League race, headlined by linebacker Mike Rivera, currently a freshman at Kansas University. Rivera was a do-it-all playmaker all over the field, and the key to a defense that allowed just 16 points per game during the eight-game winning streak that spanned two months.

Rivera also kicked and played offense when a big play was needed. He’s expected to contribute significantly as a true freshman at KU.

The Cougars also lost standout running back Ryan Torain, who signed with Butler County Community College after rushing for more than 1,400 yards and being named All-Sunflower League in 2003.

To replace either with just one player would be asking a lot. But the Cougars are hoping a collection of incoming talent could fill the void of the talented departing senior class.

“We believe that we have talented players that are not seasoned varsity players,” Diebold said. “We will be a physical team that will compete every time we take the field.”

The Cougars return just four starters, all on offense. Three of them will make the heart of what could be a big offensive line: A.J. Meyer (6-foot-3, 320 pounds), Ryan Eckard (6-2, 290) and Patrick Conner (6-0, 240).

Shawnee Mission Northwest players participate in a drill during a preseason practice. The Cougars, coming off a 9-2 season, begin the 2004 campaign Friday with a home game against SM East.

Quarterback Mike Garrison (6-4, 185) also returns after passing for more than 650 yards as a junior last year.

Beyond that, though, Diebold is looking for some players to step up on the varsity level. Linebacker Justin Lake (5-11, 185), defensive back Sam Jacobsen (5-10, 145) and kicker Brandon Cox (6-1, 170) are his only other returning lettermen.

“It will take time for us to come together,” Diebold said. “We have talented young men that have not been tested, and will need to improve each week. The senior players and especially the four with playing experience will need to be strong leaders for the younger players.”

Diebold cites three juniors as players to keep an eye on in 2004 — lineman Justin Pessetto (6-3, 255), running back Tyler Shepherd (5-11, 145) and running back Robert Pedroza (6-0, 195). But, like most of the 56 players that make up the SM Northwest varsity roster, they have some growing up to do in their first season on the varsity field.

Fortunately, the schedule isn’t as grueling as it could be. Though a Sunflower League schedule is never easy, the Cougars avoid a couple of the league’s potential powers, Lawrence High and rival Shawnee Mission North. In addition, two of the league’s top teams, Olathe East and Olathe North, both play the Cougars at the friendly confines of the Shawnee Mission North District Stadium.