RIMERSBURG — In his second stint as head coach last year, Al Pryor saw a lot of promise from his squad.

In 2010, he's hoping that promise will be fulfilled.

"We really improved last year," said Pryor. "I'm real proud of these guys. They're already ahead of last year, which is shocking.

"Usually you revert, but they're already doing well offensively and defensively."

The Golden Knights went 2-7, but they were a different team down the stretch, routing A-C Valley 58-6 before losing to Punxsutawney 20-6 and Clarion-Limestone 16-14.

They bring back eight starters on both sides of the ball.

"At the end of the season, we came around and we didn't lose much coming back this year," said quarterback Trent Corle.

Corle threw for 655 yards and eight touchdowns and could be joined at the position by Taylor Smith, who will play mostly at running back.

"Trent gives us leadership and experience," said Pryor. "He's much faster and stronger than he was last year."

Smith, who also is pass-catching threat, threw for 97 yards, rushed for 98 yards and was the leading receiver with 22 catches for 260 yards and five scores in 2009.

"Taylor will play the slot and can play at halfback," said Pryor.

Mikey Harris (121 yards rushing) also returns, while Austin Davis switches from guard to fullback and also can play the slot.

The squad will try to replace Zach Traister, who rushed for 834 yards and six touchdowns, and was the No. 2 receiver with 20 receptions for 217 yards and another score.

Brody Pollock, Aaron Graham, Brandon Tyson and Kaden McGregor also will see action at receiver and in the slot.

"They are all very versatile," Pryor noted.

Center Justin Greenawalt and tackle Richie Corle are three-year letterwinners, while guards Jake Gezik and Darren Seary, and tackle Cheyenne Smith round out the offensive line. Freshman Billy Vanderbilt can back up any of those positions.

Defensively, Gezik and Greenawalt will play at nose tackle and tackle, respectively, while the entire secondary returns in Trent Corle (free safety), Smith (strong safety) and Pollock and Graham (corners).

Davis and Harris are returning letterwinners at the linebacker position.

"We're so much faster and knowledgeable," said defensive coordinator Dave Louder. "The speed is outstanding and the kids have heart."

The pieces could be there again to pick up a couple more victories.

"Our first goal is to make the playoffs," said Pryor. "Next is a winning season, which we haven't had since 1997. That's what we're shooting for."