BLAIRSVILLE -- Brian Allison isn't one for bluster.<br />
<br />
For example, the Union County football coach is quick to note that while, yes, he returns 18 starters from last season's state playoff squad, there's a slight catch to that number.<br />
<br />
"Some of those guys have moved around, so it's a little skewed," Allison said. <br />
<br />
Regardless, 18 starters back from the program's first state bid since 2001 is pretty impressive and is a big reason why hopes are on the rise in Blairsville.<br />
<br />
"Expectations are a great thing, because it gets the kids going and motivated," Allison said.<br />
<br />
Indeed there are plenty of reasons for the Panthers to aim high in 2014: like notching three straight winning campaigns for the first time since 1983-85 or -- even bigger -- landing back-to-back state berths for the very first time.<br />
<br />
Of course all those goals are well into the future for Allison who has just one goal on his mind.<br />
<br />
"We're going to fight hard and play hard every night," Allison said.<br />
<br />
Do that and the experience already on-hand in Blairsville could mean big things.<br />
<br />
Eight starters return for the Panthers' offense, including senior receiver Robert Prunier, who hauled in over 1,000 yards through the air in 2013. In fact all four receivers return for Union's spread attack -- a nice feature for junior quarterback Joseph Mancuso, who improved through last season and has continued that trend in the offseason.<br />
<br />
The Panthers do feature a battle at running back, with returning starter Nick Whittle looking to fend off Bo Lynch and Nick Rodriguez for the starting spot -- though likely all three will play.<br />
<br />
The biggest question is at offensive line, where senior Jacob Witting and junior Parker Daniel will look to anchor a slightly altered unit from the tackle spots. Move-in Eli Robledo will also feature for a group that will be larger than in seasons past but must gel as a unit.<br />
<br />
The front line also features questions for the Panthers defense, as Allison hopes that a smaller, quicker group can make an impact.<br />
<br />
"We're really small, hopefully we can run well," Allison said. "But we're strong at linebacker and more experienced in the secondary, so that should help tremendously."<br />
<br />
Indeed, linebacker Chase Barnett returns for his senior campaign after leading the team in tackles in each of the past two years.<br />
<br />
"He's our backbone out there," Allison said of Barnett. "He's as good as I've coached."<br />
<br />
He will be joined by outside linebacker and three-year starter Brett Dietz, while Andrew Brown will hold down the secondary from his safety spot. Luke Chatham will also feature at cornerback.<br />
<br />
"Some of the skill positions are as good as I've had here," Allison said. "We've got a tough region schedule, but we're going to play hard every night."<br />
<br />
Three of last year's four playoff teams remain in Region 8-AA, with Jefferson moving up to Region 8-AAA, and Allison says he expects defending champ Washington-Wilkes and fellow playoff squad Rabun County to be amongst the contenders again this year.<br />
<br />
"Riverside Military will also be better, and Greene County will be really athletic; the big question is Ogelthorpe (County) and Social Circle, who have new coaches," Allison said. "It should be an interesting year."
