HERMAN — If Summit Academy is to be successful this year, a little depth will go a long way.

“Our goal is to have two of everything going into the season,” said Knights coach Steve Sherer. “We're getting close to that. If someone goes down, we don't lose that efficiency the former gave us.”

With only two returning players back from last year's 3-6 team — Rashaun Burney and Chris Highsmith — the Knights do almost another full roster turnover with competition starting anew.

They jumped out to a 3-1 start before dropping their final five games of the season.

“You have to instill confidence every year,” said Sherer. “They don't have the understanding yet. Our rule of thumb is you take one thing at a time and be competitive in every contest.

“Another process that's occurring is picking up and adapting and decision-making in adverse conditions. To go through two-a-days, it's a new experience. It can be very uncomfortable but I tell them to try and make the heat your friend,” Sherer added.

Sherer will lean on Burney and Highsmith's experience as well as two-way tackle Rasheed May and guard Alex Rodriguez and receivers Cyneil Hinton and Yasin Lowman.

“Burney and Highsmith are experienced and know how to run with the football,” said Sherer. “May will be very good and Rodriguez is a guard who has shown he understands and has experience.

“This is Hinton's first year playing football, but he's a state champion (in the Class AA 110-meter hurdles),” Sherer added.

At quarterback, finding a replacement for Andre Williams (716 yards, 10 touchdowns) will fall to Shawn McCausland and Dave Carter, who will also double up as defensive backs.

“They're coming along,” said Sherer. “They're both fairly athletic. One may be quicker than the other though.”

Tyrell Smith and John Nice will help anchor the defensive line.

“They're not big kids but they're extremely quick,” Sherer said.

Returning to the Class AA Allegheny Conference, however, will not make things any easier for the Knights.

“The conference is definitely tough this year,” Sherer said. “I've seen a number of teams at 7-on-7. Apollo-Ridge has a new coach and it seems like he has their stuff together. The coach at Deer Lakes has made them winners and Freeport is always tough.”

“I'm looking forward to the season. If we put some things together and have no major injuries, if we do that, we can be competitive.”