RIMERSBURG — Thirty games. Thirty losses.

It's been a trying time since the last win the Union High School football team posted in 2002.

But those trying times could be changing.

For the first time since Tom Kidder took over the Golden Knights program before the 2004 season, there might be reason for optimism in Rimersburg.

"These guys — they could have a good year this year," Kidder said. "Good in respect to years in the past, but good in the league, too."

Union has lost 30 straight contests dating back to that 20-6 win over West Shamokin Oct. 10, 2002. But Kidder has seen the slow and steady progress first hand.

While the varsity team went 0-9 last season, the junior varsity team, in its resurrection under Kidder, went 3-1.

The Knights have only 24 players on their roster, but 13 of them are returning letter winners, they have their best size up front in many seasons, and most of their skill position players return with a wealth of experience.

"They've played together, they know the system," Kidder said. "I think that's a big part. And the junior high program is producing some players."

Two years ago, things were very bleak. The roster was razor thin. The talent even thinner. The Knights were no match for any of their foes.

"Year one, we had only a couple of kids really committed to the program," Kidder said. "When we took the field, we were basically at the mercy of the other teams we played."

But in year two, Union made strides. Toward the end of the season, it was competing in games and against teams that drilled them in year one.

This year, Kidder plans on being a thorn in the side of every team on his roster.

"We came into camp (this year) with a few players less, but of those 24 kids, we have probably 22 kids who have been with us the last three years. We have a little better quality of athlete on the field this year."

Union has two good quarterbacks to call on in senior Josh Holden, who started as a sophomore but was injured part of last season, and junior Zach Himes, who started the last three games and fared well.

Himes will start the season under center, but Holden will also get some snaps.

Brett Moore returns as the top target. The 6-foot-2 receiver grabbed nine passes for 130 yards and a score last season.

Sophomore Colby Davis also returns at tailback. Last year, he split carries with Colton Davis (no relation) and gained 228 yards on just 31 attempts.

Senior Nate Boltz, an all-Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference, defensive back, and junior Kasey Kriebel also will get some carries this season.

They will be operating behind an offensive line that has some size and experience, anchored by junior center Drew Logue. The 6-3, 240-pounder has started every game since his freshman year.

"This will be the best line that we've had," Kidder said.

Most of the offensive starters also will start on defense.

That will lead to some depth problems. Kidder's main job will be trying to keep his players from wearing out by season's end.

"A lot of times our first team is on the field the whole game," Kidder said. "If I had my way, I'd have 11 starters on offense and 11 different starters on defense. But you need 35, 40 guys for that. It's a hard thing to keep them fresh. But, at Union right now, if we call your number, you get in there and give us a few plays."

One of the players who will be called on to do that, at least initially, will be sophomore Jake Becker, who is a physical specimen at 6-6, 250 pounds.

"The Becker kid is a huge kid, but he hasn't been around," Kidder said. "We're looking for big things out of Jake, even if he just spells a few kids and if he takes it seriously and takes advantage of the opportunity."

Morale will be the other big area Kidder plans to work on.

Kidder had hoped to get a win or two last season to help the morale, but that didn't happen.

"It's nice when you can see the progress on paper," Kidder said. "I see the progress here. Some people from the distance don't see the progress.

"It's tough, yeah, because winning is contagious and losing is, too. I think the morale of the kids means a lot, so much more than anything else."