SUMMIT TWP — At a Kiski 7-on-7 passing camp this summer, something different happened to the Summit Academy football team.

The Knights won.

And kept winning.

Summit Academy advanced to the championship game, losing to Armstrong. It was by far the best the Knights had done in the yearly summer camp in school history.

“These kids have always been the underdog,” said Summit Academy football coach Steve Sherer. “They've always been the underdog on the football field and in life. I root for the underdog. I cherish that. I want to make a difference.”

This season, Summit Academy may have several difference makers on the football field.

On of them may be Tacore Penn.

The 6-foot-2, 235-pound quarterback was one of the main reasons why the Knights did so well at the Kiski passing camp.

“He has all the tools,” Sherer said. “He has a really strong arm. I think we can throw the ball a little bit and we have three or four guys who can catch it.”

One of them is Tyler Harrison, a 6-foot, 160-pound receiver who had never played football before.

But he showed tremendous play-making ability at the Kiski camp, Sherer said.

“He really had a big day,” the coach said. “He caught everything that came his way. He's not the fastest guy, but he knows what to do. He's really studied off the field. He's a good possession receiver, but if you don't watch him, he can get behind you and Penn can get it there.”

Ray Guillaume and Kevin Gardner have also stood out as receiving targets.

Kyree Gholston figures to be the main running back.

The 5-10, 155-pounder has a knack for finding the hole, Sherer said.

“He runs very smart,” the coach said. “He picks his hole and reads blocks well.”

Summit Academy also has a home-run threat in the backfield in Isaiah Freeman.

“He can fly,” Sherer said. “He can catch the ball well out of the backfield, too, and on defense he's a real good cover guy.”

Sherer said with the talent he has assembled in the passing game, the Knights may throw the ball much more than they have in the past.

“This year we could air it out more,” Sherer said.

He's also excited about some of the play-makers he has on defense.

Defensive end Vernon Jones, outside linebacker Tavion Laban and middle linebacker Jermaine Crew Jr. could wreak havoc on opposing offenses this season.

“We're showing a lot of promise and Penn also plays safety,” Sherer said. “He can come up and bang you. He's a very smart defensive player, too.”

Sherer is also looking forward to playing in a different league that doesn't feature a gauntlet of perennial WPIAL powers.

“We have an opportunity to be competitive,” Sherer said. “Two years ago, we were not there. Even last year we were not there because all of those teams like Freeport got so much better than the last time we were in a league with them. We weren't very competitive and personally I'm glad we are where we are.”