Gone from the Sumner Spartans are players who scored all of the team’s goals in 2008, so coach Peter Voiles is looking for several players to step up and provide offense for his young squad.

Violes has five starters back from last season’s 6-5-7 squad which fell to Yelm in the district playoffs. Sumner finished second in the 3A SPSL last season.

“We’re a young team with just five seniors,” Voiles said. “Last year, all our goals were scored by seniors. This season we need some players to step up and contribute.”

Returning are seniors Tucker Bateman, Jacob Pierce and Phil Kyllo. Bateman, the team’s captain, is a two-year starter and is a solid defender. Pierce and Kyllo are midfielders.

A bright spot for Sumner is the addition of senior Martin Schumck, a foreign exchange student.

“Martin has lots of talent and he’s fundamentally sound,” said Voiles. “He should help us offensively and provide scoring.”

Sophomore Sam Hoyt will see action as a midfielder.

Voiles, who enters his ninth season as the Spartans’ head coach, said he was glad to see Auburn Riverside move up to 4A. But he knows winning the league or securing a playoff spot is always a tough challenge.

“There are some good teams in our league,” said Voiles.

After an absence, Peninsula returns, along with Lakes and Clover Park.

The Spartans begin the season at home at 6 p.m. Monday against J.M. Weatherwax of Aberdeen, Wash., in non-league play.