The Tahoma Bears football team is back on the gridiron with head coach Tony Davis heading into his 17th year on the sidelines.

After a 3-5 South Puget Sound League 4A North Division finish last season and 4-6 overall, the team has a good shot at moving into the playoff picture this year.

“I’m very proud of how hard the kids have worked to prepare for the season,” Davis said. “A couple of keys will be to stay healthy and how well our offensive and defensive lines gel.”

Niko Madison will be running out of the backfield for another season. The speedy senior should make an impact churning out yards for the Bears.

Back on the offensive line for Tahoma is senior Kyle Clark and Aaron Davis, a junior.

On the defensive side of the battle on the line are seniors Zach Pilutik and Clark playing both sides.

Defensive backs returning from last season are Riley Owens, a senior and Jason Smith, a junior.

The coach said there is a solid group of new players including linebackers Jared Keeney, a senior and Zach Browne, a junior.

Tim Ota and Brody Lundquist will be playing both on the offense as a receiver and in the defensive secondary. Both are seniors.

Junior Barrett Weston will play on the line on defense and offense.

“We have a number of kids who will be playing in a varsity game for the first time but have positioned themselves to play well,” Davis said.

Tahoma opened the season Thursday at Thomas Jefferson High. Scores were not available for the print edition.

The Bears will host South Kitsap High at 7 p.m. Sept. 10.