LINCOLN-Fans of power football should enjoy watching the Alcona football team this season.

The Tigers have long had success running the Power-T offense and as they head into the 2016 season, the Tigers are planning on sticking with what’s been successful, albeit with a few new wrinkles.

“If you like power football, that’s how we’re going to be this year,” Alcona coach Jason Somers said. “We’ve actually committed to a couple of new things this year where we’re going to run the ball more often and do what we’re good at instead of trying to reinvent the wheel.”

“There were a couple of games last year where we did some things we weren’t really adept at, so this year we’re going to concentrate on what we do best and making that our (strong point).”

Coming off a playoff berth-its third in four seasons-Alcona is looking for a return trip to the postseason and the Tigers have a lot of experience even with just 18 players on its roster. Twelve of the 18 return from last season and many those players have held important spots on the field for several years already.

At quarterback, junior Alex Stephenson steps in for his third season under center. Since he took over starting quarterback duties with five games left as a freshman, Stephenson hasn’t looked back. He’s more mature as a football player and can make plays happen with his feet and his arm when necessary.

“His maturity (is huge). He took this team over with five games left to go in the regular season when he was a freshman. Five games and 10 games last year, his maturity is there,” Somers said. “His ability to come to me and communicate, as far as what the defense is doing, is invaluable.”

At running back, Alcona is loaded with talent and it starts with senior Brock Franklin. The bruising running back has piled up 2,943 yards and 39 touchdowns on 350 carries in the last two seasons, but Alcona’s coaching staff doesn’t have a set number for Franklin to reach this year. When his number is called, he’ll get the ball and the Tigers know he’ll make the most of his touches. Last season he averaged 9.79 yards per carry and 7.14 yards per carry as a sophomore, so Alcona and its opponents know Franklin is a threat with the ball in his hands.

Joining Franklin in the back field are returning juniors Tim and Jack Hutchinson along with senior Dresden Parkinson, who converted from tight end. Senior Dakota Oke and junior Kyle Haeger are also in the mix.

Up front, the Tigers return a great deal of experience and all five players are juniors. Returning is all-league guard Devon Mills and Cody Schram. Jacob Schott will anchor the line at center with Tommy Mayes and Jaden Bartz bookending the line at left and right tackle.

Strong offensive line play is paramount in Alcona’s offense, but Somers said his linemen are experienced and adept at knowing what the Tigers need to do in the trenches. The same group will be looked at to lead Alcona’s defensive line.

“Offensive line play is huge. The importance of experience, I can’t overstate it. We get 10 guys in the box and there’s only seven to block, so we’ve got to be smart about who’s important to block and who’s not,” Somers said. “These kids are smart. One play and they got it and you’re able to switch schemes without having to sit down and draw it out.”

Senior Lucas Wise, a second team all-league guard last year, is in the mix at tight end along with seniors Joe Hutchinson and Zac Ayers.

Franklin’s leadership skills will be counted on for the Tigers’ defense too. He’ll captain the defense at middle linebacker with Mills, Schram Parkinson and Tim Hutchinson all in the mix to join him on the outside.

Defense has been a strong point for Alcona in recent seasons. The Tigers allowed 21 points a game last season, but shut out four opponents and limited two others to 14 points.

In the defensive backfield, Jack Hutchinson and Oke will line up at cornerback and Stephenson will play striker, or free safety.

Since joining the North Star League in 2013, Alcona has battled for the Big Dipper division title and the Tigers will likely be in contention again in 2016. Alcona went 3-0 in division play in 2013, but has finished second to Whittemore-Prescott the last two seasons.

Alcona’s strategy this year is to take each game one quarter at a time regardless of the opponent. Somers knows well the strength of the division and figures the Tigers will have their hands full in contests with Rogers City, Whittemore and Oscoda, but he’s not looking too far ahead just yet.

“We haven’t even taken a look yet. We’re concentrating quarter by quarter. Our goal is this year is to try to win 36 quarters of football. We’ve concentrated on the first 30 plays against Tawas and that’s it,” Somers said. “Do we know what’s coming down the line? Absolutely. Oscoda’s going to be tough, Whittemore got us last year and Rogers City’s going to be good.”