However, new challenges are in store for Kellner and his Knights as they move into the Bay League of the North Coast Section this season. Kellner is anticipating the Knights to be competitive and finish somewhere in the middle of the pack--in third or fourth place--as they face some stronger competition.

Kellner said the Knights "can compete in the new league, if we stay healthy." He anticipates that Salesian High School and Sacred Heart Prep High School will be the teams to beat in 2005.

Staying healthy may be the toughest challenge Kellner faces. The coach is looking at an injury list that includes five starters who are out for the season. With a team roster of just 29 players, he can't afford to lose anybody else.

"If we add to our injury list, we will struggle," the coach said.

Paul Montoro (5-foot-7, 190 pounds) is the only all-league player returning from last year's varsity. He will nail down a linebacker spot as well as logging time at running back. Senior Matt Smith (5-foot-7, 150) is slotted to fill another running back spot while also racking up playing time as a defensive back.

The offensive line is shaping up nicely with the return of a group of hardworking seniors. Larry Barsochinni (6-foot-1, 230), Austin Caldwell (6-foot, 200), Dan Milton (5-foot-9, 210) and Josh Rauwolf (5-foot-11, 170) will provide plenty of power to open up holes for TKA backs to scamper through.

Rauwolf can also be found on the defensive side of the ball, where he is expected to anchor a linebacker spot. He will find senior John Glasgow (5-foot-9, 150) lined up behind him at a defensive back position.

A pair of returning junior lettermen will bolster the offensive attack. Sam Sussman (6-foot-1, 170) will call the signals from his quarterback post, while Steve Lim (5-foot-8, 150) will chew up some yards as another running back. Both players can also be found supporting the defense at defensive back slots.

Kellner is also anticipating a few players moving up from the junior varsity squad to make significant contributions. Senior Andrew Vazquez (5-foot-11, 155) will line up as wide receiver and provide a reliable target for Sussman. Juniors Josh Moran (6-foot-1, 230) and Peter Trinko (6-foot-4, 235) should be available for some solid work in the trenches on either side of the ball.

The Knights start things off by facing Overfelt, from the West Valley Division of the Blossom Valley Athletic League, in their home opener on Sept. 10. They will have a couple more contests to fine-tune things before the Bay League opener on the road against St. Elizabeth.

Kellner will have plenty of time to get his troops lots of experience in the new league prior to meeting his anticipated rivals in back-to-back games with Sacred Heart Prep on Oct. 29 and Salesian on Nov. 5.

This will only be the third year of a varsity football program at TKA, but it has shown consistent growth as the players are picking up the system. Kellner said he's pleased with his players' efforts.

"The players hit hard and play with heart," the coach said.

Other seniors on the squad are Sanjay Krishnaswamy, Anthony Piquette, Gregg Schultz, Marcus Solis and Tim Svozil.

The squad is rounded out by juniors Josiah Auer, Daniel Detrinidad, Chris Gelbach, Jesse Haff, Chris Justice, Jordan Martin, Bryan McDonald, Kyle McDonald, Joe Ojeda, Joshua Payne, Paola Topete and Mike Vlahos.

Key Returners

Larry Barsochinni (6-1, 230), Sr., OL/DL

Austin Caldwell (6-0, 200), Sr., OL/DL

Matt Smith (5-7, 150), Sr., RB/DB

Dan Milton (5-9, 210), Sr., OL/DL

Paul Montoro (5-7, 190), Sr., LB/RB

Sam Sussman (6-1, 170), Jr., QB/DB

Steve Lim (5-8, 150), Jr., RB/DB

Josh Rauwolf (5-11, 170), Sr., OL/LB

Kings Academy 2005
Football Schedule

Sept. 3, Sobrato at Live Oak, 7 p.m.

Sept. 10, Overfelt, 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 23, Greenfield, 7 p.m.

Oct. 1, at Albany 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 8, St. Elizabeth at Curt Flood Field, 1:30 p.m.*

Oct. 15, Berean Christian, 1 p.m.*

Oct. 21, Harker, 7 p.m.*

Oct. 29, at Sacred Heart Prep, 2 p.m.*

Nov. 5, Salesian, 7 p.m.*

Nov. 10, California School for the Deaf at Logan, 7:30 p.m.*

* Denotes Bay League game