The individual defensive statistics might seem pretty spectacular for Perry-Lecompton’s football team from last season.

Seven of the Kaws’ nine returning starters recorded 40 or more tackles.

But the problem was that Perry-Lecompton’s defense was on the field a lot, and the Kaws had big trouble stopping people.

“It was a rough year,” Perry coach Mike Paramore said of his squad’s 1-8 season. “We couldn’t stop anyone with any regularity.”

Three of the Kaws losses were by nine points or less.

“Those kids never gave up, they kept battling every week, even when it would have been so easy to quit,” he said. “Frankly, we threw a lot of kids who should have been playing JV last year into the fire on Friday nights.”

But Paramore said he thinks that strategy actually could fuel his team’s shot for success this season.

“We’re really optimistic,” said the fourth-year coach, who went 3-6 in 2002. “All those kids that played are ahead of the game, they’re more mature and I’ll think they’ll be a lot more physical this year.”

The Kaws will have to be on defense, if they are to improve.

But offensively, Perry-Lecompton kept most of its scoring threats.

Junior fullback Sean Blosser (5-foot-10, 205 pounds) rushed for nearly 650 yards last year to earn honorable mention All-Kaw Valley League honors.

“He’s been there quite awhile and started part of two years,” Paramore said. “He’s bigger and stronger than ever and we expect him to be very solid for us.”

Back row from left: Chris Wettengel, Zane Barnhardt, Drew Hess, Justin Powell, Tyler Wade, Gabe Gantz, Daniel Hemme, Chris Ketter, Brian Hastert, Ryan Hamm and Jake Hatrick. Third row from left, assistant coach Justin Smith, Zach Hefner, Nick Kalineneko, Matthew Wilbur, Brian Beatty, Justin Hart, David Foltz, Tyler Langton, Robby Brigham, Brent Garrison, assistant coach Mark Armstrong. Second row from left, head coach Mike Paramore, Kyle Volle, Michael Shields, Cory McPherson, Jared Drummond, Sean Blosser, Willie Brooks, Kenny Muller, Kenny Calhoun, Anthony Thompson and assistant coach Travis Tubin. Front row from left are Caleb Denton, Brandon McMullian, Mitch O'Trimble, Aaron Brooks, Matt Merritt, Ryan Davis, Alex Hackathorn and Drew Pearce.

So too does Paramore of junior quarterback David Foltz (5-11, 165), who started last year and threw for nearly 650 yards and seven touchdowns.

Foltz will have two tall targets at tight end with junior Gabe Gantz (6-6, 220) and senior Chris Wettengel (6-2, 210).

Cory McPherson (5-8, 165), who was the Kaws’ leading receiver a year ago, will move to running back.

Not only will Perry’s players have more experience because of last year, but the Kaws actually have a kind start this season with their first three games coming at home — against Leavenworth Immaculata, Basehor-Linwood and Anderson County.

“It’s kind of a different schedule than we’ve ever had,” Paramore said. “We’re hoping it pays off with a couple of victories to get us going in the right direction.”

But Paramore said he actually thinks that started through last year’s struggles.

“There were a few times we got flat-out whipped,” he said. “But these kids have had success before in middle school, during freshman ball.

“They’re a great group, I’m pleased with where we were at camp and I really think we’re only going to get better.”

Perry-Lecompton will open its season Friday against Leavenworth Immaculata.