In a frustrating season when struggles with turnout numbers translated to struggles on the field, first-year Renton football coach Donald Ponds felt the weight.

After taking a step back to breathe, he’s back, more experienced and ready to take the Indians to the next level.

“I learned it’s not as bad as it seems,” Ponds said. “I had to take some time off and look back and re-evaluate what my role is as head coach. … I’m very pleased with the way things have been going this year.”

Renton finished the year 1-7 overall and 1-5 in Seamount play. The team found a strength in the passing game, finishing second in the league with 14 passing touchdowns and third in the league with 159.6 passing yards per game.

At the same time the Indians struggled to hold on to the ball, finishing with a turnover ratio of negative nine.

One thing Ponds did find in 2010 was his passer of the future. Dashauun Sauls impressed in limited action as a freshman after earning the starting job late in the season. Now the sophomore comes into the year as the no-questions starter.

“He has grown tremendously this spring,” Ponds said. “We’re going to utilize him both as a runner and a passer. We’ll get him out on some options. He’s going to be special.”

The Indians will have to replace many of their leading skill position players. Leading rushers Robert Reeves (368 rushing yards, six touchdowns) and Nakee McGary (182 yards, one touchdown) both graduated. Kickoff returner Marcus Clinton also graduated after leading the Seamount in return yardage (352) and kickoff return touchdowns (four).

Receivers Justin Bennett and P.J. Benedictus are also gone. Bennnett totaled 803 yards and nine touchdowns, while Benedictus chipped in 266 yards and four touchdowns.

“We did lose big-time bookend receivers,” Ponds said. “But we do have good receivers back.”

Ponds said junior Kent-Meridian transfer Ray Castro will help to stretch the field with his speed, while senior captain P.J. Mattingly has the best hands on the team. Mattingly will play tight end and receiver.

At running back, senior Anthony Gold takes over. Gold was a standout for Sandpoint High School in Idaho.

“He is a speedy guy for sure; he’s our fastest kid,” Ponds said. “He’s a shifty back and we’ll get him out in the open and throw the ball to him a little bit.”

Senior Brian Barron will help Gold shoulder the load in the backfield.

On defense it will be the linebackers leading the way. Mattingly and senior Wayne Fuimaono have become leaders on the team.

“Those guys at linebacker are going to be very physical, very fast,” Ponds said. “That’s who made plays for us last year.”

On the defensive line senior Bubi Dumas holds down the middle at nose tackle. Cleveland transfer Manual Collins adds a rangy, fast athlete at defensive end.

Renton kicks off the season against Cedarcrest Friday night at home. The Indians start league play against Lindbergh Sept. 16.