The Charlottesville high school football team only won one game last season in head coach Eric Sherry's first year on the job.
But the Black Knights are using the lumps taken last season as part of the rebuilding process, and the team is ready to take a big step forward this year.
The Knights had some bright moments last year with skill guys Darius Watson and running back Chris Thurston, but they weren't enough, as Charlottesville stumbled to a 1-9 finish.
Coach Sherry says, "Last year was like eating cereal with water. It was tough. This year I think things have gone a lot better already."
There's a sense of real optimism at Black Knight practice with 16 returning starters.
Rashard Davis has moved from wide receiver and will start at quarterback.
"We got a fast team," says Davis. "We're trying to get in the weight room and get everyone stronger so we can move on the field faster. Our line is holding up well this year, we have a nice line, that way we can spread everyone out."
"Everyone looks at Rashard and what they see is the speed and athletic ability," says Sherry, "but what we see is his mental capacity because he's able to handle a lot of things we're putting on him. He's a smart bright kid, his parents have done well."
Davis' top receiver is 3-year starter Darius Watson.
"Oh in practice it's golden, it works out every time," says Watson. "I don't want to say we run the defense, but we kinda do."
With only two seniors, the CHS defense is young, and it's a work in progress, which is why the Black Knights will early on rely on junior running back Chris Thurston and the offense to keep the team competitive.
"We're all heart right now," says Thurston. "We're working hard. Everybody's together, just like a big family. Coach Sherry is keeping everyone on track. These guys are pushing it to the max. They see the season we had last year and nobody wants to look back on that."
Charlottesville is looking for a lot of improvement this year.
Watson says, "Our coaching staff, the players we have, our athleticism, our concentration and all of the above."
The Black Knights open the season Friday at 7pm at home against EC Glass.
