There is a lot of optimism among the Shaler Titans and their fans, and rightfully so. In 2006, the Titans lost only one conference game and advanced to the playoffs, where they battled a very strong Gateway squad. The Titans fell in that game, but the experience will only help them as they hope to build on last year's success.

The success of the team will begin with senior quarterback R.J. Palso.

"Having an experienced senior back at quarterback really helps out," said Jacque DeMatteo, Shaler head coach. "Situations can come out during a game and to have a veteran out there gives you more confidence. R.J. has experience under the gun."

"Expectations have risen for us," Palso said. "I'm excited to get back out there on Friday nights."

The quarterback position is not the only area where the Titans return experience.

Running back Dan Wirkowski will see the bulk of the carries, but DeMatteo said there is a strong sophomore class who bring depth as well as talent.

"We are more in shape and more mentally ready," Wirkowski said.

The receivers look solid with a pair of seniors, who both stand more than 6-feet tall, in Drew Stany and Matt Drozdowski.

"Drew and Matty-D both have good hands," Palso said. "They have also been cutting quicker this year."

DeMatteo said his linemen are like clones, which bodes well for the Titans if they follow the lead of senior Ryan Budziszewski.

"The whole line is back," Budziszewski said. "We are a pretty solid group."

Their size and strength are impressive, but what DeMatteo is most pleased with is that the linemen on his squad share an average GPA of 3.8 in school.

"They are a very intelligent group," he said.

On defense, the Titans' strength will be in the secondary and line backing corps, where they return a good bit of experience.

"Everyone has been working really hard," said Pat Schaffer, outside linebacker. "The coaches have been stressing to the linebackers to fly to the ball and gang tackle. It's been really fun out there."

Along with Schaffer, Jordan Lapinski is another linebacker who figures to have an even better season this year.

Special teams are an area DeMatteo takes very seriously, and he puts his best guys in there.

"We have our long snapper back, a new punter as well as some returning players," he said. "I would love to play several kids on special teams."

DeMatteo said the goal this season is to win the section and improve as a team in the process. The Titans missed out on winning the section last year by a game, and hope to get that extra win to bring home the title.

"We have confidence and there has been no letdown in practice," DeMatteo said. "That's all I can ask for."