The Cavaliers made their eleventh straight playoff appearance in 2006, reaching the semi-finals before falling to eventual runner-up Sussex Central on the road. The streak is the second longest in history behind William Penn's run of 14 consecutive appearances from 1986-99.

OFFENSE: The Cavaliers ranked third in Flight A and sixth in D-I in scoring with an average of 26 points per game. They suffered some key losses at running back, but they return plenty of firepower at quarterback and wide receiver, meaning they could put the ball in the air more often this season.

Junior quarterback Kenny Anderson enjoyed a stellar first season as the starter in 2006, earning first team All-Conference honors after completing 51 percent of his throws for 1,021 yards, 10 touchdowns and just five interceptions during the regular season. "Kenny has 12 games under his belt and now he's ready to take it to the next level," head coach Mark DelPercio said. "He has a great arm and he understands coverages and where to find weaknesses in the defense. When we talk, it's like speaking to another coach."

At receiver, the Cavs have three dangerous weapons in Ryan Gerlitz, Ben Hopkins and Cameron Thomas, a transfer from Brandywine. Gerlitz was an All-Conference selection last year after making 21 catches for 367 yards and Thomas had 14 catches for 314 yards and four touchdowns at Brandywine. "We're as deep at receiver as we've ever been," DelPercio said. "Those guys give us three legitimate weapons there. We have to get them in the right spot and find the right combination, but these guys can catch the ball. Its' going to be a lot of fun working with our quarterback and receivers." Senior Weston Varnes will take over at tight end. "I think Wes is going to come in and help us out," DelPercio said. "He can give us some blocking there and he'll be able to catch some passes for us."

Leading rushers Ashton Daviston and Dan Shine were lost to graduation, opening room for new faces in the backfield. DelPercio expects Mike Pierce and Sean Stainback to be in the mix at tailback, and for Michael Johnson and Mark Munzer (who could also play some tight end) to rotate at fullback. "Those four guys are a little inexperienced and unproven, but thay have the potential to be very nice," DelPercio said. "We want to be balanced offensively, so we need to develop the running game to compliment the passing attack."

On the line, the team returns starters Billy Wessels, Lloyd Brown and Ryan Hampe. Hampe was a second team All-Conference selection. "Hampe is a solid player," DelPercio said. "He's quick, he has great feet and he's very well-conditioned. He could workout forever." At center, sophomore Shane Olson will replace the departed Anthony DiGati, who was named first team All-State the last two years. In the two years prior to that, Anthony's older brother P.J. was first team All-State center. "Not having a DiGati at center is going to be kind of weird," joked DelPercio. "But Shane is a big, tough, strong kid and we expect him to do well." Newcomer Gifford Timothy, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound sophomore transfer from Oklahoma, will also be a factor on the line at tackle. "He's really busted his tail in the weight room," DelPercio said. "He has a lot of ability. He's young, but I think he'll be a D-I football player in college."

DEFENSE: The Cavaliers return ten starters from a unit that allowed 16.2 points per game, which ranked third in Flight A. "We'll be a little thin on the line in terms of depth," DelPercio said. "But we'll be strong at linebacker and in the secondary."

DelPercio is counting on tackles Hampe, Brown, Zory Godwin, Sam Blackson and Timothy to stuff the inside against the run in the teams' 3-4 scheme. "We're strong there, but we're going to have to rotate guys and try to keep fresh legs in the game, particularly with Hampe and Brown playing both sides of the ball."

At linebacker, Munzer and Sean Adkins return in the middle, while Steve Vieira and Maurice Dawkins will likely start on the outside. Up-and-comers Brandon Grobes and Scott Adkins will also see playing time. "It's a group that has played together and there's familiarity there," DelPercio said. "They took great pride in their offseason workout and Sean Adkins has really impressed me with his leadership. He and Munzer will really solidify the middle for us."

In the secondary, Thomas will emerge as one of the state's top cover corners. "He can really play the position," DelPercio said. "He adds to an already experienced group." Pierce returns to start at the other corner, with Corbin Daviston back at safety. Luke Scott and Mike Monk will battle for the starting strong safety position in camp.

SPECIAL TEAMS: The Cavaliers will be among the best kicking the ball. During the regular season, Gerlitz made 21-of-27 extra-points and kicked three field goals, while Varnes was named second-team All-State punter after averaging 36.8 yards per attempt. On returns, DelPercio thinks Thomas could make a big impact. "I've watched him on film and I think he can really help us out," DelPercio said.

OUTLOOK: Expect the Cavaliers to contend for the Flight A title and a twelfth consecutive playoff berth. "I think we have the potential to be a really good football team," DelPercio said. "We should be right in the mix. Some things are a little unsettled and we have some things we need to work on, but we believe that hard work leads to success. We're going to take it one game at a time. Right now we're just focused on (the season opener with) Boyertown."