RIMERSBURG — Dave Louder wanted to send a message the Union football program has changed.

When Coudersport bowed out of the District 9 Class A playoffs last season, he told his team they'd play.

The Golden Knights don't duck anyone.

“We put it out there that we're going no matter what,” Louder said. “We're going to show that we fight and we're not the same old Union.”

The Golden Knights lost 49-0 to eventual district champions and PIAA semifinalists Clarion.

It was Union's third straight first-round exit from the playoffs. The game left an impression heading into the 2014 season.

“We wanted our juniors and sophomores to hate that feeling,” Louder said. “If you're going to lose, hate that feeling and remember what it feels like.”

Senior offensive lineman Brett Kriebel loathes that feeling.

Union never made the playoffs before his freshman season.

The Knights, who finished 4-7 last season, have been out-scored 116-14 in their first three playoffs appearances.

Kriebel has one more opportunity to be on the first Union team to win a playoff game.

He feels that sense of urgency.

“It's frustrating because when you get to the playoffs, you're excited and you want to make something happen once you get there,” Kriebel said. “We're not OK with just getting there anymore. We've been there three years in a row.

“We don't even want to get there and make it a close loss. We want to win.”

Optimism at Union is high.

The Knights have more size up front than any team in the school's recent history.

Louder says he and his three assistant coaches noticed all of his lineman are 200 pounds or heavier.

Seniors Brett Fancher (6-foot-3, 245 pounds) and Kriebel (5-8, 245), along with juniors Landon Forrest (5-10, 225), Casey Confer (5-8, 220) and Austin Barger (5-10, 200) are projected to start.

“Sometimes we've had 165-pound kids playing guard. We're well over our average,” Louder said. “I think our smallest guard is 225 and we have a couple huge tackles. They're skilled and athletic.”

They will be tasked with trying to open up the running game and protecting second-year starting quarterback Lane Cicciarelli.

Cicciarelli set the school record for passing yards in a single season with 1,682 yards.

He also tossed 18 touchdown passes.

Senior wide receiver Chet Carmichael, who caught 31 passes for 603 yards, is also the leading returning rusher with 204 yards.

Senior running back/linebacker Eric Seary will also be counted on to contribute in the backfield.

Improving on offense boils down to a simple formula.

“Brute strength and take care of the line of scrimmage,” Kriebel said.

Fancher, who also plays on the defensive line, will be paired 6-5, 195-pound Tyler Wiser.

Union's defense will look to be more disruptive after allowing 34 points per game last season.

“We're looking to be quicker, make contact and drive their line backwards and blow it up in the backfield before anything can develop,” Wiser said.

The Knights will also benefit by returning junior cornerbacks Cole Morris and Dugan Gallagher.

Carmichael and Cicciarelli will start at safety.

Union's team is determined to earn that first playoff win.

The Knights haven't forgotten the game against Clarion.

“It was kind of embarrassing to let that happen to us,” Carmichael said. “It motivated us to work hard this summer and strengthen ourselves.”