Countdown To Kickoff:

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE — The 2009 season represents a changing of the guard for the Flintridge Prep football team, as key positions on both sides of the ball have been vacated by veteran players who graduated.

There’s few experienced seniors returning, but with an abundance of juniors on the varsity roster and a large freshman class waiting in the wings, the Rebels are in sort of an interim period where Coach Perry Skaggs feels the program could be a year away from mounting a serious run.

That’s not to say he doesn’t envision this year’s team as capable of being highly competitive in the Prep League with an eye on achieving the program’s third straight CIF Southern Section Northeast Division playoff appearance.

Other than integrating new personnel into the skill positions, the Rebels’ run-first approach offensively doesn’t figure to change much. Skaggs is, however, concerned with reinforcing some fundamentals.

“Defensively, last year, I was disappointed, especially early on, in our execution and our tackling,” said Skaggs, who led the Rebels to a 3-7 record with a 3-2 league mark for third place in 2008. “We got better at it as the season went on, we got tougher and we settled in and we did things much better, had some success and ultimately made the playoffs. This year we want to start doing that quicker.

“First few drills we’ve had, the kids have really impressed me with their aggressiveness.”

Even though the Rebels’ numbers are up to a 25-man roster this season, nearly every player will again be asked to play on both sides of the ball at some point. The Rebels’ success will most heavily depend on the durability of a core of two-way players.

Conor Dubin is the senior leader of the team and will start at offensive guard and inside linebacker in Prep’s 4-4 defensive scheme. He has also taken some reps at fullback in recent practices and may occasionally be called on as a power runner to pick up situational yardage.

“Conor could and he would play all over the field,” Skaggs said. “He’s just amazing.”