As Hidden Valley heads into the 2010 campaign, the ability to replace the leadership and experience of last year's playoff team will be the deciding factor as to what kind of team the Titans will be this season in a very competitive River Ridge District.

The Titans head into 2010 after going 7-4 last season under first-year head coach Scott Weaver. Hidden Valley's four losses came to teams that made the playoffs, including a 20-18 to Group AA State Champion Northside during the regular season and a loss to Christiansburg in the regional semifinals.

"We look to be a more balanced attack this season," said Weaver.  "We expect junior Michael Simonic to really improve with a year under his belt at starting quarterback."

The Titans have experience across the board at every position other than offensive tackle and tailback when they line up on offense.

"With this experience we hope to to be able to expand on the offense that was installed during my first season here," added the coach.

Weaver went on to say, "we must replace David Williams at tailback and our two senior tackles. Those players were the cornerstone of our rushing attack last season."

Returning starters on offense include Dylan Johnson (senior, FB), Griffin Brand (senior, WR), Kolton Lescure (senior, TE), Cole Sampson (senior, C) Will Claytor (senior, OG) and Kevin Draudt (senior, kicker).

Others who will probably see playing time on offense include Kyle Stanley (junior, TB), Andy Richards (senior, WR), Jordan Parke (sophomore, OT), Jimmie Batey (senior, OG) and Jared Repass (junior, OT).

Defensively, the Titans are returning six starters and should be strong up the middle.

"Last season we started four sophomores and a freshman on the defensive side,"noted Weaver. "We hope that last season will give these young men the experience to make up for the seniors we lost."

Returnees include Dee Fletcher (junior, S), Jake Kite (soph.,CB/KR), Stanley (SS), Jake Hubbard (junior, MLB), Lescure (DE), Repass (DL) and Draudt (punter).

Other probable defensive starters include Dylan Hawkns (junior, CB), Garrett Pierce (junior, OLB), Lamar Hale (junior, DL), Will Hux (senior, NG) and Shane Foley (junior, DE).

"We have experience up the middle with Hubbard (MLB) and Fletcher (safety). We hope to surround these guys in the middle with speed on the corners of the defense," Weaver mentioned.

The coach went on to say about his defense this fall, "We must get better up front. We lost experience at strong end, strong tackle and both corners."

Hidden Valley opens up its regular season on Friday, Aug. 27, with an away game at Patrick Henry. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.