And we thought 2011 was a banner year for returning area high school football players.

It was; and this year promises to be even stronger.

At least 13 senior stat-stuffing quarterbacks – representing a half-dozen conferences – will be under center. They will begin compiling more numbers with this week’s season openers.

The Greater Western Ohio League features seniors Cameron Belton (Northmont), Javon Harrison (Wayne), Luke Morgan (Lebanon), Tom West (Farimont) and Chris Wallace (Springfield).

In the Greater Catholic League North is Malik Zaire (Alter), who has verbally committed to the University of Notre Dame.

There are even two can’t-miss first-year QBs in sophomore Luke Kennard (Franklin), who’s also a highly touted basketball recruit, and freshman Jacob Harrison (Chaminade Julienne).

But the best of the bunch is Middletown senior Jalin Marshall. He’s already reset most of the significant running and passing single-season and career marks for the Middies.

The Middies have won 10 games each of the last three seasons. If they are ever to break through the highly competitive Region 4 field, Marshall gives them their best shot.

“No question he’s a special player,” Middies coach Troy Everhart said. “Like so many of the good ones that I’ve had, he’s able to do all this stuff and still stay grounded.”

Marshall is committed to Ohio State.

As usual, there also are plenty of proven running backs. Best of the bunch is senior Israel Green of defending Division II champ Trotwood-Madison. Hard to downplay 2,047 yards rushing and 32 touchdowns.

Centerville’s pipeline of outstanding offensive linemen continues in senior Evan Lisle, a 6-6, 265-pounder who’s also headed to OSU.

Defensively, can’t go wrong with cornerback Cameron Burrows (OSU) and linebacker Michael McCray (Michigan), a couple of highly recruited Trotwood seniors.

Also, CJ senior linebacker Darrien Howard is a four-year starter who has committed to West Virginia. Yet another Replogle, Jake, will toggle between linebacker and defensive line for Centerville. He’s committed to Purdue.

Those players and plenty more add up to what should be another banner season of area high school football.