Coming off a disappointing 2010 season the Tahoma High football team has lofty goals for 2011.

“Our main team is NDC,” said senior running back Beau Riggs. “Which means North Division Champions.”

After going 2-6 in the South Puget Sound League North Division a year ago, Tahoma looks to challenge perennial contenders Auburn and Kentwood, which went undefeated in league play in 2010, as well as division favorite Kentlake.

Riggs explained the key for Tahoma will be its work ethic.

“We need to practice like we’re going to play every day,” he said. “We’re a transformed team for last year. We’re completely different.”

Tahoma head coach Tony Davis, heading into his 18th year at the helm, believes a combination of experienced players and hard work will turn around a program that hasn’t won the SPSL North since 2006.

“It’s exciting,” Davis said. “We have a core group of seniors that have been with us and have really put in the time and energy. I’ve just really been pleased with the leadership those seniors have shown.”

Nine seniors return this year including Riggs as well as fellow running back Zach Browne.

On the offensive side of the ball, Aaron Davis and Barret Weston anchor the offensive line, while Jason Smith, SPSL North Honorable Mention, returns at wide out. Junior Dallas Hayes rounds out the offensive starters coming back at center.

Browne and Riggs are both defensive linemen while Smith will play defensive back and will be joined by senior outside linebacker Wil Anderson and defensive back Justin Ross. Junior Calvin Balliett rounds out the returning defensive starters at outside linebacker.

Weston will serve as punter while senior David Stoecker returns as the Bears placekicker.

“There’s nine (seniors) who have been with us,” Davis said. “They trust each other. They get along. They’ve established a positive team chemistry.”

With all that experience is a trio of sophomores making their varsity debuts this year as Shane Nelson steps into the quarterback position, Elijah Suka will step in at linebacker and Denham Patricelli will be in on offense at tight end as well as playing defensive line.

“We have a group of sophomores that have come in and made an impact,” Davis said.

Patricelli won the Intermediate Boys National Championship in the javelin earlier this summer at the USATF National Junior Olympic Outdoor Track and Field Championships, in Wichita, Kansas.

“He’s brought that throwing high level of performance to football,” Davis said of Patricelli.

Davis said he has what sounds like a simple strategy for putting together veteran leadership with sophomores looking to make their mark on the Tahoma program.

“We spend a lot of time on being a team that practices real well so they play real well,” Davis said. “I’m just really pleased with the way guys who have realized they were in that position (to lead), how hard they worked.”

Riggs noted Tahoma will take the season one game at a time starting with its season opener at home against Thomas Jefferson.

“We’re trying to get Thomas Jefferson back in our first game after we lost to them last year,” Riggs said. “We’re going to fly to the ball and be one of the most aggressive teams in the league.”

Riggs will share the ball carrying duties with Browne and Suka. Having three backs should help keep the running game strong because of “the durability factor” Riggs added.

“We all have different styles of running which can come in handy against other defenses,” he said.

Both Browne and Riggs got a significant amount of playing time a year ago, Davis noted.

“They’re some pretty talented back,” Davis said.

Even in a tough division with rivals such as Kentwood, Kentlake and Auburn, Tahoma’s players and staff believe they can improve on last season.

“They know what our division is like,” Davis said. “It’s actually kind of exciting when you have a strong league because it means you have to show up every week.”

Browned explained Tahoma will treat every opponent the same this season regardless of its record or reputation.

“You don’t want to underestimate anyone,” Browne said. “Our greatest strength is we’re a really close family. I think we’ll trust each other on the field.”

And that lofty goal of beating the tough teams in the SPSL North can be done thanks to the work the team has put in, Browne stated.

“Everybody on the team has been in the weight room,” he said. “Everybody is going to be stronger and faster. Everything we’ve been doing to prepare for this year has made us better.”