As the Jeffs look ahead to their opening contest against Bates College, their veteran offense will be depended on to get them off to a fast start. After beating the Bobcats 34-0 in 2003 and compiling an overall record of 18-4-2 against them, Amherst has a lot to prove on the defensive side of the ball. After losing six starters to graduation, the Jeffs must rely on the fierce play of their defensive front, led by quad-captain Brendan McKee '08E, as well as the leadership of fellow quad-captain Mike Salerno '07 in the secondary. For the offense, returning NESCAC Offensive Player of the Year and quad-captain Mark Hannon '07 will be depended on to lead the offense at wide receiver. His high level of play from last year will be necessary this time around along with the emotional leadership of First Team All-NESCAC quarterback and quad-captain Nick Kehoe '07 as they look to tack on their first win of the season.