Carbondale Area is ready to challenge for a division championship.

As the largest school based on enrollment in the Lackawanna Football Conference Division III, and with an abundance of returning talent, the Chargers have the pieces for an exciting season.

Seven starters on offense and six on defense return from a team that finished 6-5 overall, 3-2 in the division, and played in an Eastern Conference playoff game. The players are aiming to end a championship drought, with the last LFC division title coming in 2005.

“I am very excited and motivated for this season,” Francisco Roman said. “I know that I can do more out there for the team, and I am ready to show it.”

Roman and Cole Balderas were a productive backfield for the Chargers.

As the team’s primary ball carrier, Roman had 966 yards and 16 touchdowns. Balderas added 313 yards and three touchdowns.

Quarterback Nick Zaccone saw valuable playing time and started three games. He completed 11 of 31 passes for 146 yards and four touchdowns.

Wide receiver Caedon Voglino, an LFC Coaches’ Division III first-team all-star athlete, ran for 203 yards and a touchdown and caught five passes for 35 yards and three touchdowns, rounding out an experienced group of playmakers for the Chargers.

Mason Voglino, who suffered a torn ACL last season, returns after rushing for 31 yards in a Week 1 loss to Lakeland. Receiver Darion McKenzie also saw varsity playing time last season.

Carbondale Area has size up front. Guard Chayse Roche is the strongest player on the team and was a Division III honorable mention all-star.

“We have to stay positive and have a strong desire to win,” Roman said. “We had a winning record last season, but I think we have a very talented team that can really do something special this year.”

In addition to Roche, the Chargers return center Mateo Spinelli, also an honorable mention all-star, and tackle Parker Mursch. Guard Owen Kovaleski is expected to contribute up front.

“We worked hard this offseason and are practicing like it is game time,” Balderas said. “This group learned to stay positive. We have to keep each other up. When a teammate is having a tough time, we have to pick them up and get back to work.”

On defense, Roche, an honorable mention all-star, is teaming with Mursch for a strong interior line. Jeriel Galaza and Rocky Henderson will play a significant role in the trenches.

Balderas returns at linebacker.

Stephen Oakley, Caige Nolan, and Roman lead an experienced secondary that also includes newcomer Travis Spencer.

Levi Gabriel returns as the team’s kicker and punter.

“Our positive record last season was excellent,” Balderas said. “But we don’t feel like that was enough. This year we definitely want more.”

FAST FACTS

■ Head coach: Jeff Arthur (5th season, 16-27)

■ Division: LFC III

■ Last season: 6-5 overall; 3-2 (Third in LFC III)

■ Male enrollment: 291; Class 4A (Co-op with Forest City)

■ Home field: Andrew Cerra Sports Complex

CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

■ Overall record: 383-566-28

■ District 2: (Class 1A) 2001.

■ LFC II: 2005.

■ Suburban Conference: 1973.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 28: at Nanticoke Area (4A), 7

Sept. 4: West Scranton (6A), 7

Sept. 11: Crestwood (4A), 7

Sept. 18: at Honesdale (4A), 7

Sept. 25: at Lakeland (2A), 7

Oct. 2: Susquehanna (2A), 7

Oct. 9: Holy Cross (1A), 7

Oct. 16: Montrose (3A), 7

Oct. 23: at Lackawanna Trail (2A), 7

Oct. 30: Old Forge (1A), 7