FERRIDAY — Having been to the Class A South State championship game a year ago, the Huntington Hounds football team knows expectations are high heading into the 2008 season.

Until they kick off the season, however, the team will be working during the blistering summer months to ready itself.

Without a spring game due to scheduling conflicts, coach Chad Harkins said the emphasis during practices was to just get stronger and work out as a team.

“I thought we had a good spring practice,” Harkins said. “The kids are excited and we’re just looking forward to getting started (playing).”

With just over 20 players on the roster, Harkins said it’s a concern to have such a young team, and that replacing five departed seniors will be no easy task.

“(It’s) a concern being so young because we don’t know what they can do yet,” Harkins said. “Getting those kids battle tested is a major priority.

“They’re going to have to step up.”

Offense

On offense the Hounds will rely on converted quarterback Joey Roberts and sophomore wingback Andreas Swanson to move the chains.

Swanson may have the toughest task on Huntington’s roster heading into the season — replace Jody Cottongin.

“Replacing him is going to be a battle,” Harkins said, considering the departed senior rushed for over 2,000 yards and 33 touchdowns.

Despite being expected to start at wingback, the jury is still out on Swanson’s ability as a running back. Last season the now-sophomore started at safety and barely played running back for the Hounds.

Should Swanson falter at wingback, Harkins said there will be several other players who could see playing time at the position, including Josh Lee, Chuck Bowie and Kevin Brown.

Another task for the Hounds during the summer will be to find replacements for three departed linemen. Harkins said he expects some of the younger players to step in and help fill the gaps on the line.

“We’ve got some young guys in there that we expect for them to come through for us.”

Defense

On defense Harkins expects Brown, who started as a freshman last season, to replace Dude Harrell at middle linebacker.

“We’re looking for big things from him,” Harkins said. “He’s one of those rare guys who is young and shows a lot of leadership qualities.

“He works hard, shows up on time, has a good work ethic and leads by example.”

Joining Brown amongst the defensive starters Harkins expects to make an impact will be Roberts at cornerback and Swanson at safety.

Although they’re fielding a young team and are unsure of the production they’ll receive at running back, Harkins has high expectations for the 2008 season.

“(I expect) for us to be in the hut for a state championship,” the fourth-year coach said. “We want to be able to compete week in and week out.”

The Hounds will begin their summer workouts next Monday and will start practicing in late July.