SLIPPERY ROCK — It's all going to come down to the trenches.

It usually does. Any coach worth his weight in whistles will tell you that.

But for the Slippery Rock High football team, it's even more important this season.

The Rockets have a wealth of skill players, including senior quarterback Vito Pilosi and senior running backs David Duffalo and Nathan Hyatt.

Those are the well-known commodities.

What's unknown and still largely a mystery is how a young offensive line will come together.

“We're going to find out pretty quick,” said Slippery Rock coach Larry Wendereusz. “I don't think we're there yet. Our line coaches are putting time in to get that taken care of and we're adjusting things to try to make it easier up front. We're going to be young. There's no discussion about it. Game-experience-wise, we're going to be young.”

That's because gone are Sean Northcott, Mitchell Houston and Ryan Broad, anchors on both the offensive and defensive lines in 2018.

Only two starters return — seniors Cody Hall and Zach Marini.

Wendereusz said the team is well aware that if the line doesn't gel, it won't matter how good the skilled players are.

“If we can't block anybody, it's not going to work,” Wendereusz said. “It's going to be made for us up front.”

But Wendereusz and his staff are confident that the line — both on offense and defense — will find a way to get it done.

If they do, Slippery Rock could be a scary team, especially with experience at key spots.

Pilosi has two-plus years of experience at quarterback and played well last season, passing for 1,147 yards, 13 touchdowns and only three interceptions. He also rushed for another 893 yards and 10 scores.

Duffalo had a breakout season in 2018 with 416 yards rushing and 317 yards receiving. He led the team with 21 receptions.

And then there's Hyatt, who has speed to burn and could be poised for his own breakout campaign.

“We're hoping those three can be a lot of fun to watch,” Wendereusz said.

Slippery Rock is hoping the fun will lead to a next step.

The Rockets have won a first-round District 10 playoff game for three consecutive seasons, only to fall in the next round.

This year they may have to attempt to make that next step with as many as five sophomores starting.

“Our sophomores are going to have to help us,” Wendereusz said. “They are going to be involved in games. We think they can and we're excited to see them play.

“When I was at a 6A school, I had someone tell me, 'How many sophomores you start is how many losses you can count on,'” Wendereusz added. “I don't totally buy that, especially at smaller schools, but I understand. My stomach churns. It's great for the future, but I have to make the future. They have to hold up.”

Two of the sophomores, Tony Pilosi and Jacob Humes, may start on the offensive and defensive lines.

Two more sophomores, Shane Thompson and Ryan Montgomery, will be cogs on the defense and could get some carries in the backfield. Sophomore Brendan Earl impressed in camp.

Wendereusz said other sophomores will also have a role.

Despite the youth movement, the Rockets' have tempered their expectations.

“We keep the same goal,” Wendereusz said. “Everyone shoots for that state championship. We want to take that next step. We don't just want to just win a first-round playoff game. We want to show we belong in the playoffs and can win in the playoffs.”