HERMAN - Summit Academy coach Steve Sherer liked what he saw in the team's recent scrimmage against Serra.

He hopes to see that progress continue in the team's first two games against Beaver and New Brighton before opening conference action against Mohawk.

But he knows it won't be easy.

"I liked what our defense did against Serra," said Sherer. "We had a couple of big plays on offense, but we still have a ways to go both offensively and defensively.

"There is some promise there," he added.

The Knights have only four key players from last year's team returning, led by a multi-faceted back in Kasil Butler.

"He's experiencing some back problems, but he's a 'slash' kind of player," said Sherer. "He can play flanker and can play a lot of places."

Linebackers Paul Durham and Lenny Johnson and lineman Carl Smith also return.

"Durham will be a force at linebacker," said Sherer.

Alvin McGhie will lead the Knights' offense at quarterback, while Earl Zarpele, Butler and Johnson also can play the position.

"(McGhie) has a strong arm. He's pretty quick and knows the game," said Sherer. "He's a good runner … but we'll have to get him settled in more."

Derek Dixon, Brad Walker and Vaughn Horton will highlight the running backs, and Shawn James, Joe James and Tyrone Noaks make up the receiving corps.

"(Walker) has shown promise," said Sherer. "He had a couple of long runs against Serra. "He had been hurt, but (Horton) can be a pretty dynamic player.

"Shawn James is a really good athlete. He never played football before, but what an athlete.

"The ends we have are 6-foot-1, big targets," Sherer added.

Defensively, Sherer said the team will be better, barring injuries.

"They've picked up the game a little better and, once we get settled in, we'll be okay," the coach said.

Durham and Tyrek Byrd, a tackle-defensive end, should lead the defensive charge, as will Joe James.

"We have some size this year," said Sherer. "We're a little bigger. We're just hoping the things taught now and in the first games are internalized and the kids learn what they are taught."

At defensive back, four players jump to the forefront: Ellis, Jerome Butler, Phil Turner and David Lawrence have performed well in camp.

Despite last year's 0-9 mark, Sherer is hopeful the Knights can pick up the information quickly and post a solid season.

"We have a little more depth this year," said Sherer. "Overall, the skill positions will play well, but the line has a ways to go. They're inexperienced, but some of the kids are pretty athletic.

"They can run but need to develop a better sense of the game and that comes with time.

"We just want the kids to work hard every day and move forward on what the kids need to know," Sherer added.