The Mirror takes a look at what the football season holds for each high school this coming season:

Thomas Jefferson Raiders

2015 record: 7-3, 4-0, 1st in 4A SPSLN

2015 result: Lost 17-14 to Mount Si in the first round of the state playoffs

Key departures: Kenneth Turner (OLB, RB), Michael Johnson (G), Bo McGraw (C)

Key returners: Mason Delacruz (QB), Sonny Fuavai (DE, OLB), Andrew Fernandez (G, DT)

At a glance: Things are buzzing for the Raiders program in 2016 – and they should be. Scott Morgan is making a return to head coaching duties for Jefferson after helping produce a league title in 2015. He coached at Jefferson for two different runs, from 2002-07 and 2010 to present.

Jefferson soared into the postseason last year on a seven-game winning streak after losing two of its first three games. The Raiders clinched the South Puget Sound League Northwest title, their third league title in school history. The team fell 17-14 to Mount Si in the first round of the state tournament, struggling against the Wildcats’ air raid attack as quarterback Harrison Danna put the team on his back and threw for 212 yards and one touchdown.

Raiders quarterback Mason Delacruz returns for his senior season and a chance for redemption after last season’s close loss. He won’t be alone: Jefferson is welcoming back 16 members of last year’s team.

The Raiders kick off their 2016 season on the road at 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Yelm.

Todd Beamer Titans

2015 record: 6-4, 3-1, 2nd in SPSLN

2015 result: Lost 51-14 to Skyline in the first round of the state playoffs

Key departures: Parker Edwards (WR), Jalen Williams (RB)

Key returners: Kuma Scanlan (QB), Colin McKay (WR, CB), Lincoln Liulama-Mitchell (DT, FB)

At a glance: Last season was the second in a row the Titans finished the season with a winning record, and it was their second straight season making an appearance in the state playoffs. For the Raiders, winning has become contagious. With the postseason appearance, it was the third time in the school’s history grabbing a playoff appearance.

“Our guys are looking forward to this,” Todd Beamer football coach Darren McKay said. “It’s an expectation that we’re going to be competing for the playoffs. That seems to be the consensus around is that this is a team that should make the playoffs.”

McKay embarks on his fifth season at the helm of Beamer. He was named SPSL Northwest coach of the year in 2014, with the team making steady strides towards winning in each season under his leadership.

“I feel like our team is a lot stronger this year,” Beamer senior inside linebacker Lincoln Liulama-Mitchell said. “More than we have been the last couple years. I feel like we’re going to be ready to go come the first game. I’m really excited about the O-linemen because we’ve got some really big guys this year and they’re pretty young, so I’m excited to be behind them.”

The offensive linemen Liulama-Mitchell speaks of are two incoming freshman who will immediately start for McKay on the offensive line. Both kids stand over 6 feet 4 inches tall and are 230 and 265 pounds respectively.

After an impressive run during the regular season, the Titans met the Skyline Spartans in the first round of the playoffs. Skyline dominated on all sides of the ball, combining for 535 yards. The Titans lose a key producer on offense in running back Andrew Tofaeono, but McKay said he expects there to be little transition trouble.

With arguably the strongest offensive line in the league, a seasoned run game, and ball hawks on defense, the Titans are looking to extend the league’s longest consecutive postseason appearance streak to three. With the players coming in via transfer set to join last season’s experienced squad, it shouldn’t be a difficult task.

“While we have a lot of returning players, you can’t really call us an ‘old team’ because we have underclassman, and our quarterback will be switching out on offense, and our secondary is young. You got to play on Friday nights – some of these guys have never done that, so it’ll be something to watch.”

Beamer starts 2016 at home at 7 p.m. Sept. 8 vs. Mount Rainier.

Federal Way Eagles

2015 record: 2-8, 2-2, 3rd in SPSLN

2015 result: Lost 49-36 to Puyallup in the first round of the state playoffs

Key departures: Bobi Sims (WR), Andrzej Hughes-Murray (LB), Ben Koler (ATH)

Key returners: Austin Silva (WR), Gabe Togia (QB), Semisi Kalaniuvalu (DT)

At a glance: The Federal Way Eagles’ struggles in 2015 can be pinned on one area: The team suffered through critical injuries, including to quarterback Gabe Togia, who went out in week three and did not return for the rest of the season. Coming into this season, however, head coach John Meagher said Togia and the five returners on the offensive line will be ready to go.

“Our strength is certainly with Gabe,” Meagher said. “He’s a very common presence on this team. And as he goes, our offense goes. So it will be good to have him back.”

Togia will not play defense this year with the hopes of keeping him healthy for a playoff run. Without Togia, Federal Way suffered a 13-point loss in the playoffs to Puyallup. Despite having just two wins in the regular season, the Eagles showed they have potential to light up the scoreboard: After opening the season 0-4, Federal Way delivered a 52-12 win over Decatur. In their other win, the Eagles put up 64 points in their 64-27 win against Mount Rainier.

“I think we’ve got to re-establish the ground game going forward,” Meagher said, “but also make sure the ball is getting to receivers. Basically, make sure we balance the offense and move the chains. If we can do that while managing the clock more efficiently, I think we’ll be all right.”

Federal Way is quietly becoming a powerhouse under Meagher, who’s entering his 19th year with the team. With Andrzej Hughes-Murray in his freshman season with the Oregon State Beavers, it remains to be seen who the vocal leader on defense will be for the Eagles, the likely candidate being Semisi Kalaniuvalu.

Federal Way will begin the new season at home at 7 p.m. Sept. 2 against Tahoma.

Decatur Golden Gators

2015 record: 1-9, 0-4, 4th in SPSLN

2015 result: Lost 21-0 to White River in the first round of the state playoffs.

Key departures: Christian Silva (RB), Donyae Turner (LB), Jeremiyah Viena (OL)

Key returners: Deangelo Brown (WR), Kevin Kim (CB), Darius Viena (OL)

At a glance: Second-year coach Levi Suiaunoa is still producing the building blocks for a Golden Gator program that’s won 21 games since 2004. The team is 2-18 under Suiaunoa, who stands to have a young team once again this season. The defense struggled last year, having four games where it gave up 50 or more points in losing efforts. But Decatur closed the season with an impressive 21-0 win over White River.

The Golden Gators will have veteran wide receivers back in Deangelo Brown and Deantre Scott. Darius Viena aims to lead a young, fairly inexperienced defense, modeling the leadership of his brother and 2015 All-City lineman Jeremiyah Viena.

Decatur kicks off the 2016 season on with road at 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at Mount Rainier.