Coach: Sheldon Cross, 2nd year (2-8 record)

Last season: 2-8, 2-6 KingCo 3A

Key departed players: David Slingwine, OL/DL; Josue Rodriquez, OL/DL; Alan Lampe, FB/LB; Justin Evans, K/P; Elliot Russell, WR/DB.

Impact players: Brett Kirschner, Jr., RB; Dylan Amell, Jr., WR/DB; Matt Malos, Soph., QB; Evan Spading, Jr., LB; Chris Motley, Jr., DB; Patrick Lindsley, Jr., OL/DL.

Best kept secret: Matt Malos, Soph., QB. Everyone knows about junior running back Brett Kirschner and defenses will look to stop last year’s third-leading rusher in KingCo, which is why Interlake coach Sheldon Cross is so excited about dual-threat quarterback Malos, who can hurt teams with his arm or legs.

2008 schedule

9/5 vs. Ingraham

9/12 vs. Yelm

9/19 at Mount Si

9/26 vs. Mercer Island

10/3 at Sammamish

10/10 vs. Juanita

10/17 at Liberty

10/24 vs. Mount Rainier

10/31 vs. Bellevue

The Bottom Line: The Saints, who will compete in the 2A postseason, have a shot to make some noise this year. They’ll need even bigger seasons from Kirschner and Amell, who won’t be taking defenses by surprise.

Malos will need to quickly mature as Interlake’s quarterback to help the Saints pick up the wins they’ll need to get to a play-in game for the playoffs, where they’ll finally play against schools of their size.