SUSSEX CENTRAL GOLDEN KNIGHTS (6-5, 2-3 Henlopen North)

In 2005, the Golden Knights reached the playoffs for the fourth time in the last six years before falling to eventual champion Salesianum 27-12 in the first round. They return more experienced talent than any other team in the state, with 10 starters back on offense and eight on defense, but head coach John Wells has made it clear that the returning starters will have to fight for their jobs in camp. "I told the kids that 2005 is over," Wells said. "I'm interested in finding our starters for 2006. We have a lot of players that have been working hard and every position is open."

OFFENSE: At the skill positions, this could be one of the state's most balanced units with the return of QB Brad Hilovsky, FB Darshon Adkins, HB Courtland Conaway and WR Brian Scott.

Hilovsky accounted for 1,205 yards of total offense and he had a hand in 14 touchdowns (7 passing, 7 rushing) last season. "Brad is a double-threat," Wells said. "He can throw the ball and he can make something happen with his legs if the protection breaks down. I think he's one of the top quarterbacks around. He's a smart kid and he wants to improve and make the right decisions." Throw in talented backups D.J. Long and R.J. Moore and the Golden Knights have perhaps the best QB situation in the state. "This is the deepest we've ever been at quarterback," Wells said. "The best thing is that all three can play other positions on the field."

At his disposal, Hilovsky has one of the state's top deep-threats in Scott, who averaged 26.6 yards per reception in 2005. "Brian and I are best friends and we've had a connection since we played Pop Warner," Hilovsky said after last year's playoff loss to Sallies. "I know that if I need somebody, I can just throw it up and he'll find a way to bring it down." Also keep an eye on returning TE Clay Heald. "He's worked really hard in the offseason," Wells said. "His strength is his blocking, but he made some big catches for us late in the year."

The running game will also thrive with the return of Adkins, who is second among the state's returning rushers after gaining 1,085 yards last season. "Darshon is a multi-faceted player," Wells said. "He can run between the tackles or get to the outside. He can also get out in space and catch the ball." The halfback position will be deep with the return of Conaway, Tim Showell and Monte Murray. "Conaway is going to surprise some people," Wells said. "He's a horse and he picked up some tough yards for us last year. Showell could also have a breakout year. He's been phenomenal at every level that he's played. Murray is the fastest kid on the team and he played a lot last year due to injuries, so we have three guys that can play that spot."

Four starters return on the offensive line, but Wells expects some new faces to make their presence felt. "Our experience is a big plus, but we still have to execute," Wells said. "Guys will be pushing for time." Among the returning starters are center Charlie Olivencia, who Wells feels is one of the best in the state, guard Adam Sammons and tackles James Sinnott and Joey Costa. Cody Rovel and Shane Baker saw time at guard last year while filling in for an injured Lee Bailey. Those players will be pushed for time by Greg Tate and R.J. Jones. "Tate is the strongest guy on our team and Jones has the potential to be a dynamite lineman," Wells said.

DEFENSE: Eight starters are back from a unit that allowed 18.7 points per game. Adkins and Carl Hinton will provide pressure coming off the edges at DE and tackles William Blake, Costa and Jermaine Sturgis will stuff the run inside. The Golden Knights will also rotate players like Jones, Tate and Olivencia into the mix, providing excellent depth up front.

The leader of the LB crew will be returning starter Kyle Brimmer. "He just flies to the football," Wells said. "He's a hard-nosed kid and he's our most experienced linebacker. Josh Lee and Nick Heald are experienced and they're front runners to start too. James Showell is a horse and he could also start." The other two possibilities at LB will be Josh Shockley and Moore.

The secondary will be one of Delaware's finest with the return of safety Tim Showell and cornerbacks Scott and Conaway. Murray and Long could also be big impact players at DB.

SPECIAL TEAMS: The kicking game is in good hands with the return of C.J. Bell, who also punts. Bell was second in the state with five field goals last year. "C.J. kicked the game-winner against Milford and he made three in our overtime game against Dover," Wells said. "He's a great athlete. He plays soccer and baseball and he should be one of the best kickers this year." On returns, the Golden Knights have a long list of skill players that can get the job done.

OUTLOOK: With the return of so many starters, the Golden Knights have to be considered the favorite to win the conference championship, and one of the favorites contend for the state championship. "We're very optimistic," Wells said. "We've set some pretty lofty goals for ourselves, but we have to take baby steps. It starts with having a good preseason and then taking it one game at a time. The bottom line is, we can't look past anybody."