Preview: Neuqua Valley

Neuqua Valley coach Bryan Wells looks at his roster. He sees something different.

There's no Anton Wilkins, no O.J. Oshinowo, no Dakota Clark, C.J. Robertson, Mike Genslinger or Alan Smith. No definitive superstar.

No, that's not a bad thing.

"You have to be aware of all 11 on our defense," Wells said, "and offensively I believe you have to be aware of seven, eight guys. In that, it's very different."

Also different on the defense - which includes returning starting defensive backs Owen Larson and Denzel Neal, linebackers Kaelin Harvey and Pat Keeley - is that Wells will be its coordinator. Taking over after veteran defensive guru David Perry moved to the freshman level, it's Wells' first such spot since 2000.

Wells said his senior-laden, 4-3-base defense will join the offense in a no-huddle look and will be even more aggressive than in the past.

"High-risk, high-reward," was his description.

Of course, the best defense is often a good offense. Wells is banking on the ball distribution and Tony Romo-esque creativity of second-year starting quarterback Alex Lincoln to help land a seventh straight playoff berth.

Lincoln in 2007 completed 78 of 154 passes for 1,146 yards, 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He's got last year's top receiver, Conner Yearian, and Western Michigan commit Josh Schaffer to throw to. Tested back Nate Pena and 4.3 burner Desmond Nolen will run behind a line returning 270-pounders Scott Doering and Chris Dawson.

It's a confident group that knows, superstar or no superstar, they'll have to earn their success.

"They know they've got to work for it," Wells said.