JEFFERSON TWP — Few have more of an appreciation of Knoch football history than first-year head coach Brandon Mowry.

A 2002 Knoch graduate, Mowry was a freshman when Mike King became the program's head coach. He recalled Knoch's playoff run to Heinz Field eight years ago.

And he knows the Knights haven't experienced the WPIAL playoffs in a while.

“We haven't been to the playoffs here in four years,” Mowry said. “We need to end that string. This program has a long and proud history.

“We put pictures up in the team room showing some of the past. We've had senior leadership meetings. We want the kids to know about and respect some of the great things that have happened here.”

The Knights were 5-5 last season, rallying from an 0-3 start. They lost a tiebreaker for WPIAL playoff qualification.

“We need to get off to a quicker start and put making the playoffs in our own hands, not a tiebreaking system,” Mowry said.

In terms of experience, Knoch is primed to take a shot at the playoffs. The Knights have nine players returning on offense and eight on defense who started at least part of last season.

Taking over at quarterback is 5-foot-11 senior Kam Grassi, who played A-back in the Knights' triple-option offense a year ago, Chase Mullen last year's quarterback, played A-back in his previous season as well.

“There's a natural transition there. Both positions need to know what everybody is doing for us to be effective,” Mowry said.

“We have athletes and plenty of experience,” Grassi said. “We're like a family, we've been playing together for so long.”

Joining Grassi as returning starters on offense are tailback Matt Goodlin, receivers Scott Fraser, Jared Schrecengost and Joey Wojciechowski, slotback James Johnston, center Maison Frank, guard Cole Lassinger and tackle Hunter Roenigk.

Goodlin set the Knights' single-season rushing record by rambling for 1,441 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Frank saw action on the offensive line last season and is sliding over to center to replace the graduated Jarrett Bricker.

Eli Reese figures to start at a guard spot while Braden Tristani and Clark Fraser are battling for time at the other tackle spot.

“With Matt at tailback and our line playing so well together, I'm anticipating a great season,” Lassinger said.

Knoch's experienced passing game could come into play as well.

“With our pass protection ability and having so many guys who can catch the football, we could have more of a mix,” Mowry said. “If defenses choose to focus on stopping Matty, we've got plenty of other options to use.”

Returning starters defensively for Knoch are nose guard Dalton Reed, end Lassinger, linebackers Goodlin, Johnston and Frank, cornerbacks Schrecengost and Wojciechowski and free safety Scott Fraser.

Also figuring into that mix are Roenigk and Chris Young at defensive end, Tristani, Tyler Buterbaugh and Brady McKee at linebacker and Grassi at cornerback.

“We'll play a 33 stack. That's been good to us,” Mowry said.

Lassinger figures the Knights will be more physical on defense than a year ago.

“Our line is good enough to fill the gaps and clog things up and our linebackers will make the plays from there,” he said.

Justin Tristani will handle the place-kicking for the Knights. Zane Inklovich will do the punting.

Woiciechowski is one of seven returning two-way starters on the roster.

“In a lot of cases, this is our third year together,” he said. “We know we can do it. We want to go on a deep playoff run and we're going into the season with a lot of confidence.”

Mowry insists the goals are clear.

“Get back in the playoffs is No. 1,” the coach said. “No. 2 is getting a home playoff game. The atmosphere at our stadium during a playoff game is off the charts.

“Ultimately, we want to get to Heinz Field and not just be satisfied in getting there.”