[LeeCoUKFan]

Karns building on winning season

At many schools, going 6-5 in football is considered a disappointment or, at best, a display of mediocrity.

But when a winning season has not occurred in 37 years, as was the case at Karns High School last year, it is cause for celebration.

"It's different around school," said senior tight end and defensive end Brant Nickens. "The students are more into the games."

And after getting a sample of what winning is like, the Beavers are hoping to continue enjoying the excitement that has come to the West Knox County school and community.

Said third-year coach Derek Witt, who initially took over the program on an emergency interim basis shortly before the 2010 season began, "It's changed things. But that's one of the things we're striving to do is build on what we did last year."

Witt feels the team has the nucleus to continue moving forward, even though it did lose a number of key players. The reason for the optimism is not only the numbers he has returning, but also their overall attitude.

"We have 17 seniors who have taken charge of preseason workouts and led the guys in the right direction," he said.

Among the key seniors is Nickens, whose 6-foot-4, 240-pound frame makes him a big target on offense. "He's been in the system three years and knows what is going on offensively and defensively," Witt said.

Nathan Rivera, a wide receiver/defensive end, is another senior expected to contribute. He was second on the team in receptions last year and brings great leadership, Witt said.

Throwing passes to him will be junior quarterback Matt Nauman, who split time as the starter last year.

Among the newcomers to watch is senior Bennie Satterfield. He has been a regular on defense since his sophomore year, but is expected to contribute greatly at running back this year as well. "He's very deceptive," said Witt. "When you see him you don't think much about him."

The big question mark for Karns this year is whether it will have enough depth. "We're going to be relying on some younger kids, even freshmen ranks, and getting them ready for Friday nights," Witt said.

But the optimism remains.

"We've hit the weight room," said Rivera, "and (have been) doing the offensive stuff way harder than we ever have."