Over 3 seasons have passed since WW King Academy played for the SCISA 8-man title.

Injuries and depth have limited the Knights’ success since 2016.

This season, head coach and headmaster Zach Matthews has reason for optimism.

He’s pleased by the high number of players at preseason practices.

His players’ approach to staying healthy in the pandemic is encouraging.

“It goes hand and hand,” he said. “If they can carry themselves well in the classroom, then I know they’ll do the same out here. That’s what I expect of them.”

Seniors Travis Long and Phillip Gross will provide returns after a season-ending injury in last year’s opener.

WW King has a ‘triple threat’ in sophomore triplets Carson, Collin and Colby Woodward. All will see action at quarterback, fullback and running back/linebacker.

Sophomore linebacker Clayton Turner is expected to provide a boost defensively with newcomers sophomore Drake Amick and junior Tripp Richardson.

The Knights will look to round up the starting positions before Friday’s home opener against Faith Christian.

Matthews said they key is staying healthy and maintaining depth if they are to return to the post-season.

KNIGHTS ROSTER

Head Coach: Zach Matthews

1 Collin Woodward

2 Clayton Turner

3 Carson Woodward

4 Tripp Richardson

5 Pierce Kirby

6 John Roy

10 Jesse Parrish

12 Colby Woodward

22 Levi Neal

23 Phillip Gross

24 Drake Amick

54 Seth Gross

68 Travis Long

78 Elijah Thompson

80 Trevor Fulmer

88 Johan Salinas