SUMMIT TWP — Each year, it's all about improvement with Summit Academy.

An 0-3 start was followed by three consecutive Allegheny Conference victories before a tough 21-20 loss to Ford City hurt the Knights' playoff hunt last season.

Summit Academy lost two more games after that tough defeat.

This year, the Knights are looking to get over the hump.

Knights' coach Steve Sherer sees that opportunity with this year's squad.

“They're getting there, but I'd say we're not quite there yet,” Sherer said. “Day by day we've made progress and that's what I hope for.

“Each day we get a little better and getting the kids to get confidence in what we've presented to them. Once they understand it, they get it,” Sherer added.

Sherer returns just two players — both starters — in two-way lineman Kenyatta McCloud (6-foot-3, 285 pounds) and running back Javon Cooper.

Sherer is looking to them for leadership as well as from a pair of quarterbacks: juniors Chris Harp and Marshon Johnson.

“One guy has a strong arm and the other is extremely quick,” said Sherer of Harp and Johnson, respectively. “They're both good kids. They're very coachable.”

Cooper, who played fullback last season, will move to tailback and Jolyan Walker will slide into the fullback spot.

Adding to the offensive mix will be flankers William Johnson and Jamel King, split end Dashaan Smith and tight end Jayron Dudley.

“I think we're pretty good at the skill positions,” Sherer said, “a little bit bigger and athletic.

“It's our line play where I think we're a little bigger than last year. We do have some experience in Kenyatta. He'll play some offensive tackle and we'll have Nate Dodson (6-3, 250).

“With their backups, we have some kids who are learning. Once they learn the offense, they'll internalize it and it will help us,” Sherer added.

On defense, Sherer is excited about the secondary and defensive line, but knows there's some work to be done at the linebacker positions.

The Knights will find some new opponents in the section as Apollo-Ridge and West Shamokin have left while Class AAA Valley and Kittanning and East Allegheny have entered.

Still, the Knights will have their hands full with Burrell, Deer Lakes, Freeport and Shady Side Academy.

“I'd say the majority of teams have a lot of kids back,” Sherer said. “Burrell has Cole Bush and Freeport has its quarterback (Brendan Lynch) and running back (Damon Smith) back and Shady Side lost their quarterback (Reggie Mitchell to Wisconsin).

“And with the new teams, I think this will be a real tough section.”