By Daniel Green |  BWS Sports

The Leesville Wampus Cats were hit hard by graduation a season ago, losing 28 players from the squad.

However, the numbers for the Wampus Cats have remained steady as veteran head coach Robbie Causey will have about 70 players suited up on Friday nights as Leesville will have a different look on offense.

With the departure of offensive coordinator Justin Scogin to a coaching job in the Shreveport metro area, the Wampus Cats will feature a variable look on offesne.

One returning player for the Wampus Cats is quarterback Parker Maks, who stepped in as a starter in Week 2 a season ago and had a solid campaign. And although he lost standout running back Caleb Gallashaw, sophomore Xavier Ford, who saw some action last year as a freshman, should see more time, along with others.

Defensively, the Wampus Cats return standout players JaShawn Mabry-Lyles and Frank Ford III to the fold for a solid 1-2 punch in the front seven.

The Wampus Cats close out their preseason activities with a jamboree matchup at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, against the Tioga Indians at Tioga.

Leesville opens the regular season at home on Sept. 2, against Jennings, before going on the road to face the Jena Giants on Sept. 9.

The Wampus Cats will be at home the next two weeks, facing Iowa on Sept. 16, before a homecoming matchup against Catholic of New Iberia.

Leesville takes to the road in Week 5 for a matchup at Opelousas, before beginning district play on Thursday, Oct. 6, at Washington-Marion.

The following Friday will be the 101st Battle for the Hooper Trophy as Leesville welcomes DeRidder to Wampus Cat Stadium.

Leesville’s next two district games are on the road at LaGrange and Eunice. However, the Cats will close district and regular-season play at home against Rayne.