Confidence. In the face of a challenge, first-year Renton head coach Donald Ponds has plenty of it.

Confidence in his starting quarterback, and more broadly, confidence in his group of seniors.

“Our seniors will be the X factor this season,” Ponds said. “They think there’s a lot stacked against them and there’s about 10 of them who I think will hold this team together. If we gel, I think the sky is the limit for us.”

The Indians went 6-4 last season and fell in the state play-in round to Meadowdale.

Ponds is tasked with rebuilding a passing offense that was de-emphasized last season. The Indians, with a very successful rushing attack, went a full game without throwing a pass in 2009.

Learning the offense was a priority in the offseason and Ponds and his coaches were careful to not push too much on the players at once.

“We had very intentional practices to start, which helped a lot,” Ponds said. “I do feel confident we can throw out there. We have the speed and we have the playmakers. There can be a big play at any time.”

Senior Zane Brown will start at quarterback for the Indians. A threat to run or throw, Brown is also an outstanding leader. Ponds said he was hesitant to make Brown the starter at first because of his height (5-foot-7), but Brown grasped the offense right away and can make all the throws.

“He’s stepped up above and beyond what was asked of him,” Ponds said. “He started early last season and matured over the summer. I’m really confident in him.”

Robert Reeves will play at running back and in the defensive backfield. Ponds said he’s going to be the fastest guy on the field most games, and while he’s smaller for a running back, he can still run up the middle. Nakee McGary will also play at running back and at safety.

At wide receiver the Indians boast some of the state’s best athletes in Marcus Clinton, Justin Bennett and P.J. Benedictus. Clinton returned four kickoffs for returns as a junior last season and two in Renton’s season-opening loss to Cedarcrest Sept. 3.

Benedictus won the 3A state triple jump title earlier this spring.

Ponds said the Indians’ secondary made of Clinton, Reeves, McGary and Benedictus will be the team’s strength because of their speed.

“The secondary unit is the most solid thing we have going,” he said. “We’re really going to lean on them.”

Renton doesn’t have much depth, especially on the line of scrimmage, so injuries and bigger teams could give them trouble as the season goes on, Ponds said. He does think this team might have the best collection of athletes in the league, meaning the Indians should explosive and exciting to watch.

Renton plays Thunder Mountain (Alaska) Friday night at Renton Memorial Stadium.