ONAWAY – Despite finishing with a winning record a year ago, the Onaway football team came up just short in securing a playoff berth, dropping two of its last three games.

Along with trying to erase the memories of a disappointing end to last season, Onaway may also be without head coach Jim Cleaver to begin the season as Cleaver is currently dealing with some health issues.

The Cardinals have already suffered a few tough breaks, mentally and physically, but it won’t keep this year’s team from trying to avenge last season’s rough ending and the struggles the team has faced early on in 2016.

“We’re very excited. I think we can do better than we did last season and we did good, but we know we can do better,” Onaway assistant coach Pat Horner said. “We have worked on getting in shape and pushed the kids a lot harder. We have great attitudes to go with our coaches, team and family. It’s only going to get better from here.”

The Cardinals have six seniors returning, along with eight juniors. A solid group of upperclassmen make up the roster of 23 players.

Seniors Randall Tibbits and Troy Klein will captain this year’s team along with junior Lucas Tollini. Onaway will look for Tibbits, Tollini, Klein, Jonathon Bay, Gavin Fenstermaker, Paul Ransom, Garrett Roat and Austin Chaskey to make an impact and carry the Cardinals this year.

“We have some experienced players, but we also have some younger guys that have never played before or in a few years, but the family and team concept is really bringing everyone together and you can see it from the work ethic and enthusiasm. I think they’re ready to role and I just hope we can get coach Jimmy back quick,” Horner said.

The veteran offensive and defensive line is going to be a staple in this year’s team and Onaway is hoping to get a strong effort out of their entire roster as they have suffered some injuries and setbacks early on.

With so many of these setbacks, it has left Onaway unsure of what direction it will go in as far as at quarterback and the other skill positions.

Despite the unfortunate luck early on, the Cardinals have one goal in mind for the 2016 season and that is get to the playoffs.

“Our goal is to get to the playoffs for sure. The goal is to get to the playoffs and teach every one of these kids that football teaches you about life. My goal is just to help get this team to the playoffs and teach this team about football and family,” Horner said.