FREEPORT — With back-to-back appearances in the WPIAL playoffs and a section title last year, Freeport has become a legitimate threat in the Allegheny Conference.

After losing a strong senior class, the Yellowjackets will try to build upon that success.

"The attitude's the same, the same mentality," said Gaillot. "It's very businesslike this year."

"Their leadership was big," said senior Jake Campbell. "Now, we're the leaders of the team. It's our team."

Gone is quarterback Alex Isenberg (Georgetown), who led the team with 454 yards passing with five touchdowns. He also led the way with 523 yards rushing and 13 scores.

Senior Curtis Hughes, junior Sean Carson and sophomore Brendan Lynch are vying to replace Isenberg.

"Curtis and Sean throw the ball very well, but Lynch has made big strides," said Gaillot. "Those two throw well, but Lynch is very fast. He has sprinter's speed."

Along with Isenberg, the Yellowjackets also lost their No. 3 to 5 rushers in Andy Teorsky, Darius Frantz and Mitch Shaw, who combined for 670 yards and nine touchdowns. But Campbell (62-429, three TD) returns to bolster the backfield, along with Shawn Liberto and Marcel Ittner.

"After five games last year (Campbell) got the grasp of the offense," said Gaillot. "Honestly, he's one of the top three backs in our conference.

"He's a powerful runner and he leads by example," Gaillot added.

Look for sophomores Damon Smith, Mike Teorsky, Travis Hall and Dustin Koedel to compete for playing time.

At receiver, Derek Durand (11-135-1) returns, as well as Hughes, whose two catches for 33 yards is the next highest returner.

"He's been unbelievable," said Gaillot. "He catches everything."

As for the offensive line, "that's the strength of our team," said Gaillot, as center Knight Clark, guard Jon Turner and tackle Cody McClelland return, as does Alex Carson, who started the last five games, and sophomore guard Brian Welsh.

"We have kids pushing, too," said Gaillot. "In a couple of weeks, as the line gets a few games in, they'll be ready for starting."

Defensively, the Yellowjackets, who allowed just 10.1 points per game during the regular season, will rely on Turner (a tackle last year), McClelland (lineman) and linebackers Hughes and Campbell to lead the way. Liberto and Durand will return to the secondary.

"That's a good core right there," said Gaillot. "We have some good kids. It's hard to replace the (conference) defensive player of the year (Frantz, now at SRU), but the young guys are stepping up and we're getting close to that."

"Obviously, as a team, everyone has high expectations," Campbell said. "We'll play hard and hope for the best. We'll see what happens."