CATO - C.J. Hannon's introduction as Cato-Meridian's new football coach two years ago, after a successful stint at Red Hook in the Hudson Valley, did not pay immediate dividends.

The Blue Devils' losing streak stretched from 19 to 28 games through a dismal 0-9 campaign in 2002.

But the positive returns emerged in a big way last season. Right away, the Blue Devils disposed of the monkey on their backs,surprising Hannibal with a 7-6 win, and went on to a pleasant 5-3 season that took the program to the brink of a playoff bid.

So, the Blue Devils weren't going to be able to sneak up on anyone this year, anyway, the way Hannon thinks they might have in last season's wins over Hannibal and Port Byron. But did improvement have to be this hard to come by?

Not until July 12, when the Cato-Meridian Sports Booster Club had raised enough money to save the school's fall sports programs, did the team know it would actually play this year.

To make things still more challenging, the Blue Devils, while they'll indeed play a full schedule of football, won't do any of it - or even practice - on their home field, which is undergoing a complete reconstruction.

As for actual football matters, Hannon is satisfied with Cato-Meridian's chances for a strong season, while he keeps his fingers crossed that things develop the way he wants.

While the Blue Devils will miss their three main offensive weapons from last season (QB Shane Tyler, RB Ryan Myers and WR Mike Wild), the returning seniors promise to lead the team from the inside-out, just the way a coach who likes to run the football would want it.

Three of Cato-Meridian's biggest players, Shawn Lee, Tim LaRose and Pat Pollack, also happen to be the senior co-captains Hannon expects to spearhead a mauling front line on both sides of the ball.

Halfback/DB Nick Polmanteer, another senior co-captain, gets his chance to receive the bulk of the carries, and he showed how ready he is by putting in more time in the weight room than anyone.

Halfback Matt Helton figures to be another threat out of the backfield, both carrying and catching the ball.

Filling Tyler's shoes as the starting QB is Robbie Dolph, a good athlete whom Hannon says is developing a nice touch throwing the ball.

Hannon wants to set up the passing game with the running game, so Dolph may figure in the occasional big play the Blue Devils will need.