RIMERSBURG — With four wins in their final six games, the Golden Knights enjoyed their most successful season in more than a decade in 2010.

Union's winning attitude was apparently contagious and caught the attention of athletes around the school.

With a minimal loss from graduation and a surging interest in the football program, the Golden Knights are poised to challenge for their first playoff appearance in school history.

The team faced unimaginable adversity to begin 2010, as its head coach, Al Pryor, missed the first game due to illness and was found dead in his home the next day after committing suicide.

Dave Louder took the reins of the program. Following three straight losses by a combined score of 121-40, the Golden Knights improbably turned the season around in historic fashion. Union finished the year at 4-6, narrowly missing the playoffs.

“It's the best record Union has had in about 15 years,” said Louder. “We were disappointed that we lost to Redbank last year by three points because that cost us our first playoff appearance ever.”

However, the strong finish helped Union build confidence and peaked interest in the program.

“I think (winning) brought out a lot more kids, too,” said senior fullback Austin Davis. “Kids have really been looking forward to getting the season started.”

Davis is part of a talented group of seniors, which also includes quarterback Taylor Smith, wide receiver Brody Pollock and running back Mikey Harris.

The returning talent coupled with athletes in the school who decided to give football a try gives Union more depth than it's accustomed to.

“We're getting a lot more out of practice than we have in the past,” said Louder. “That's a big bonus.”

Smith will make the transition to quarterback this season after backing up the departed Trent Corle in 2010.

Last year, Smith mostly showed off his play-making ability with his feet, as he led Union with 452 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. He also caught 16 passes for 278 yards and two scores. In limited duty at quarterback, Smith went 8-for-12 for 94 yards with two TDs and one interception.

Louder is counting on Smith to continue igniting the offense in 2011.

“Taylor is a dangerous threat and he showed us that after we had to move him to tailback because of injuries,” said Louder. “We thought, ‘Let's get him the ball as much as possible.'

“Taylor is a running threat No. 1, but he also throws a beautiful pass,” added Louder.

Smith's primary target will be Brody Pollock, who has a knack for pulling down passes in traffic.

“Even if he's double covered, he comes down with the ball,” Louder explained. “Most of his catches last year were extraordinary — one-handed catches, getting tackled to the ground in double coverage.

“Same with interceptions on defense,” Louder continued. “Any time the ball is thrown to him, he has a better chance of getting it than anybody.”

Pollock tallied 20 receptions for 389 yards and four touchdowns. He also snagged a team-high four interceptions.

Davis, a downhill runner, will be another weapon for Union to utilize. He racked up 445 yards on 74 carries last season, finding the end zone three times.

“Austin ran, like some people said, Larry Csonka last year,” said Louder. “He's small, but he's so muscular and so strong.”

Harris is a talented back, as well, but was limited due to injury last season. He ran for 235 yards on 43 tries. Aaron Graham, a junior, will be another name to watch.

With plenty of talented options in place, Union's offensive and defensive line could be what vaults the Golden Knights into the playoffs.