Cedarcrest High School’s varsity football program is expected to be a faster, more aggressive team this fall, its players emphasizing integrity and respect.

For his eighth season, head coach Jason Frederick will rely on a group of 13 athletic seniors. Players to watch include fullback/defensive back Martin Beckam, starting tackle/defensive end Josh Davidson, all-around player and halfback Justin Houser, lineman Tanner Marty, tight end Nick Gagner and running back Chris Dowd.

“Defensively, we’re smaller, but more athletic and quicker,” Frederick said, “so we’re going to be a lot more aggressive.”

He expects to run a lot of tricky Wing-T plays. Defensively, a handful of heavies will anchor mostly leaner, quicker plays.

Hunter Lee was the starting quarterback, and turned in a good job against 3A Renton in the Sept. 2 season opener. The Red Wolves were tied 7-7 at the half, “but in the second, we outconditioned the other team. Our kids battled all four quarters,” Frederick said, to end it 34-13.

At a two-day retreat at the beginning of practice, Frederick brought in Eastlake defensive coordinator Maui Borden, who helped the team develop core covenants.

“We’re committed to brotherhood, integrity, respect,” Frederick said.

Last year, the Red Wolves finished 5-5, and the coach expects to build from there. Teams to beat in the league include Archbishop Murphy and Lakewood.

“We’re in that mix, but it’s going to be one game at a time, take them as they come,” Frederick said.

On Friday, Sept. 16, they face Archbishop Murphy in their first home game, inaugurating an improved Red Wolf stadium.