Leavitt’s Damion Calder tries to escape a tackle my MCI’s Isaac Bussell last season. Leavitt’s Riley Parmenter comes in form the left to assist in the play. Calder is part of a deep receiving corps and Parmenter will be a key part of the Hornets’ defense in 2019. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

Leavitt coach Mike Hathaway has the best of both worlds — 21 returning lettermen but plenty of new talent to push the veterans for playing time.

The Hornets lost five starters (two on offense, three on defense, plus their kicker/punter). The offensive line returns four starters but looks to fill a key spot at center, and sophomore Reeve Twitchell is the front-runner to make snaps.

Isaiah Boehm and Jack Boutaugh will fill vacancies on the defensive line. Hunter Hayes moves into the secondary, and he and Wyatt Hathaway will split the kicking duties.

Wyatt Hathaway begins his second full season at quarterback with what his father and coach believes is the deepest and most talented group of skill players he’s coached.

Dasean Calder and Allen Peabody are a dangerous tandem at tailback and the receiving corps, led by Damion Calder, Camden Jordan, Mark Herman and Keegan Melanson, will give both Hathaways plenty of options.

Jordan, Riley Parmenter and Tommy Casey anchor a defense that will be big and athletic.