2017 Early Contenders high school football preview: No. 18 St. Xavier

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Video: 2017 Early Contenders - No. 18 St. Xavier
Host Zack Poff breaks down the Bombers' prospects this season, complete with video highlights.

Head coach: Steve Specht

Last season: 10-5, No. 24 national ranking, won Division 1 state championship

Last decade: 83-42, two state championships

Famous alums/players/coaches: Panthers LB Luke Kuechly, Hall of Fame pitcher/U.S. Senator Jim Bunning, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer (former DB coach). PLAYERS TO WATCH

QB Chase Wolf (6-2, 195, Sr.) — The Wisconsin commit threw 15 touchdowns and just six interceptions in 2016.

DE Blake Bacevich (6-4, 215, Sr.) — The state's No. 44 recruit is committed to Cincinnati.

DE Bobby Jefferson (6-3, 235, Sr.) — Posted 53 tackles, 10 for loss last season.

WR/SB Cameron Specht (5-8, 150, Sr.) — Coach's son led the team with 68 catches for 655 yards and three TDs.

WR Justin Wittrock (6-0, 175, Soph.) — Tallied 50 catches for 569 yards and nine TDs as a freshman. KEY GAMES

Sept. 1 — at Colerain (Cincinnati)

Oct. 6 — vs. La Salle (Cincinnati)

Oct. 21 — at St. Ignatius (Cleveland)

STORYLINES

* With five regular-season losses last year, the Bombers caught most off guard with their state championship. They became the first five-loss Ohio team ever to win a state crown. They won't be catching teams by surprise this season.

* Coach Specht believes in numbers. There are currently 171 players on his fall roster.

* Calling all ballcarriers! The Bombers were hit by graduation at running back. Only 64 carries return from last year, led by junior Chris Payne (6-1, 200).

* Last year was St. Xavier's first appearance in the state finals since 2007.

* With 11 returning starters, standouts from a 7-2 JV team and Wolf in charge, the Bombers will make a strong run for a second straight-title and third in 11 years.