With 15 returners off of last year's first place team back, James River is once again poised to defend its Pioneer District football title this season.

"We are a senior-heavy ball team," said head coach Philip King, who is returning nine starters on offense and eight on defense.

Returning for the Knights are seniors Jordan Talbott (QB/LB), Chris Ware (WR/DB), Brandon Garrett (RB/DE), Jonathon Falls (WR/LB), KW King (WR/DB), Dylan Johnson (OL/DL), Danie Draper (OL/DL), Dylan Newcomb (OL/DL), Will Bowling (OL/DL), Jeff Johnson (WR/DB), Matt Mandeville (RB/DB) and Thomas Lythgoe (OL/LB), juniors Michael Lancenese (QB/DB) and Brandon Rodriguez (RB/LB) and sophomore Owen Deacon (OL/LB).

"We are looking to our seniors to lead the team to our second consecutive Pioneer District championship and playoff victory," added King.

Players, who the coach feels will make an impact this season are, Owen Deacon, Chris Moore, Kyle King and Justin Stevers.

"Our experience will be our strength, while size will be a weakness for us this year," noted King.

As for James River's top game of the season, mark your calendar for Oct. 29, when the Knights take on Bath County in Hot Springs.

The Knights open their 2010 season this Friday when they travel to Daleville to take on cross-county rival Lord Botetourt. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.