FREEPORT — Freeport's John Gaillot likes a little competition — check that, a lot of competition — among his players.

Entering camp, the first-year Yellowjackets coach is putting starting positions up for grabs.

"Every position is open right now," said Gaillot, who was an assistant coach under Bill Dillen the past four years. "We'll give last year's starters the first chance.

"It's not necessarily the most talented players, but the hardest working. Work ethic is the most important thing in competition,"Gaillot added.

Freeport, which lost the first three games last season, finished at 5-4 and just missed the playoffs after an 18-0 loss to Ford City. An upset win would have put the Yellowjackets into the playoffs.

"Our first goal is to reach the playoffs. We'll take things one step at a time and just do the best we can. We can't control the way the ball bounces,"Gaillot said.

Senior Matt Lucas was the team's quarterback last season, completing 33 of 81 passes for 453 yards (2 TD, 6 INT) and will be pushed by junior Alex Isenberg.

"Both of them do things well," said Gaillot. "With their work ethic and leadership, they both need to be on the field. If we need more receivers or fullbacks, they'll be there.

"They both have the attitude of whatever it takes to win,"Gaillot added.

Running backs and receivers are plentiful, but again, the jobs are wide open.

Seniors Andrew Vidra (40 catches, 197 yards, 3 TD; 5 field goals, 19 extra points, 52 total points), Austin Shockey (37-165), Troy Zema (26-119, 1 TD) and Tom Blythe along with juniors Andy Teorsky and freshman Marcell Ittner and Tyler Singer will highlight the backfield.

Junior Tyler Collins (14 catches, 253 yards, 2 TD all team highs) and sophomores Jake Campbell and Derek Durand plus Ittner and Singer also are candidates.

And most of those players could be seeing action at both positions.

"Once we put the pads on, we'll see who's the most durable, who can run inside and so on," said Gaillot. "We have about eight or nine players who can catch the ball."

Miles Smolic, Colton Garvin and Matt Marshall will help anchor the offensive line. John Douglas was moved from tight end to tackle.

On the defensive side, Kevin Hughes, the team's middle linebacker, returns. He will be joined by other defensive standouts Nick Ippolito, Douglas, Dakota Furlong and Zema.

"Again, every position is open," said Gaillot. "We also have some sophomores who can get a chance, too."

Gaillot has been stressing teamwork and work ethic as well as sense of community to the players this off-season, in hopes of bringing the team closer together.

The players were helpful in the recent 175th anniversary of the town, plus working for the food bank and a lemonade stand.

"Those are the things I'm most proud of from these kids,"Gaillot added.

The Yellowjackets, however, are again in a very formidable Allegheny Conference. Gaillot said Ford City, Valley, Burrell (Tom Henderson returns as coach), Kittanning and Shady Side Academy are prime contenders.

And don't discount Apollo-Ridge, a Class A team that joins the conference this year.

"Every game is a playoff game in our eyes," said Gaillot, "and we'll prepare that way. We'll take things one game at a time."