HELENA, Mont. -- The Carroll College Fighting Saints offense will be looking to make waves in 2019. 

In CarrollAthletics.com's final preview of the football team, the offense is in the spotlight. 

The Saints finished with the No. 7 scoring offense and No. 7  in the Frontier Conference a season ago. With head coach Troy Purcell leading the offense, the Saints will be looking to improve those marks and give the Saints a new-look attack. 

As the game draws near, Purcell and Co. are using every last repetition to evaluate the quarterbacks. The decision as to who will be the starter against Montana Western on Saturday will come down to the incumbent, junior Kolby Killoy or sophomore transfer Devan Bridgewater. 

"We have two solid quarterbacks there," Purcell said. "It will be a game-time decision who will be starting there. Both guys have talent and are going doing some good things."

Killoy appeared in 10 games last season, throwing for 1,584 yards and eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions. 

Bridgewater transferred from Colorado State University-Pueblo, an NCAA D-II program. 

Lining up alongside the quarterback, the running back position brings back one of the most productive members of the team over the past three seasons in senior Major Ali. The senior from Gig Harbor, Washington, was named a second team all-conference member last season, rushing 175 times for 722 yards and five touchdowns. The season prior, he was named a first team all-conference running back, as he compiled 980 yards on 189 carries with nine touchdowns. 

"It's his senior year, so we expect some great things out of him," Purcell said. 

A few young running backs will also figure into the rushing attack this season. 

Redshirt freshman Kaleb Adams looks to be a factor in the running game this season after redshirting last season. The talented back from McKenney, Texas, and true freshman Matthew Burgess, of Junction City, Oregon, have both placed themselves in prime position on the two-deep. 

"They catch the ball really well out of the backfield and do some great stuff in the outside zone," Purcell said. 

At the skill position, the Saints return second team all-conference receiver Shane Sipes, who doubled as a first team all-conference kick return man. The junior from Newbury Park, California, caught 40 passes for 697 yards and brought in seven touchdowns. Sipes tied the Saints' record for touchdowns in a single game when he hauled in four touchdowns against Montana Tech on Nov. 3, 2018. 

Carroll also returns junior receiver Joe Farris, who finished with 29 catches for 418 yards and two touchdowns in 2018. 

"Farris is more of a twitchy guy than a speed guy," Purcell said. "He's probably our best blocker along with Kyle Pierce. He's really good at blocking." 

Kyle Pierce, Jordan Martin, Jaden Harrison and Will Noce-Shelden should also see plenty of time at receiver, too. 

"Jaden Harrison, he's been a real solid kid for us," Purcell said. "He might have the softest hands out of any of them, so far. He'll be a nice addition moving forward."

Sophomore Tony Collins ascended to the top of the depth chart at tight end this past offseason. As a true freshman, playing behind first team all-conference tight end Eric Dawson, Collins caught five passes for 33 yards and a touchdown. 

Senior Sam Stratton will also play a pivotal role with the tight ends.

"Big guys, both have different skill sets," Purcell said. "It will be good to see them out there in space." 

While the offensive line lost second team all-conference lineman Willy Clements and graduated senior center Connor McGree, the unit returns three starters and a great deal of experience from a season ago. 

Senior J.D. Lyle and juniors Alex Hoffman and Tanner Steele all played a big role in opening holes to run and protecting the quarterback a season ago. 

"Steele and Hoffman, those two guys are experienced and I expect a great deal out of them," Purcell said. "Lyle will play guard and some center. JD is one of our captains and he's one of our biggest leaders on the team to get everybody on the same page and make it happen."

Factor in Andrew Carter, Luke Gleasman, Hunter Meacham, Preston Johnson, Anthony Donofrio and Jacob Clark, and the Saints will have an array of options at their disposal on the offensive line. 

Expect everybody to have their chances as the Saints open the season on Saturday in Dillon, Montana.