ROYAL CITY - Royal High football fans got a sneak peek at the 2014 edition of the Knights during the recent spring camp. There was a lot to like, and anticipation is high for the upcoming season.

This is practically the same team that stunned the post-season last fall field by knocking off No. 1-ranked Zillah and finishing in the top 8.

The camp culminated with a jamboree-style scrimmage against the neighboring Quincy Jacks and left those in attendance wanting more. The Knights found the end zone three times while the Jacks mustered only one touchdown.

The varsity offense appeared somewhat nervous at the outset with a couple of short runs, a dropped pass, and an overthrown ball. A 25-yard completion from sophomore quarterback Kaden Jenks to junior Sam Christensen calmed those nerves, and the Knight offense seemed to settle in afterwards.

Jenks is one of many returning starters for the Knights. Building on his varsity experience last season as a freshman will be pivotal.

Christensen returns to health after being injured for a significant portion of last season. His return will bolster a receiving corps that includes returning starters Joe Lang and Jose Ponce, both juniors.

Sophomore Daniel Cuevas and senior Kai Jenks are among others who will have an opportunity to contribute. Senior Jacob Lee and sophomore Sawyer Stakkeland will vie for snaps at tight end.

The entire offensive backfield remains intact from last season. Senior Miguel Ayala and junior Darren Miller will share snaps at tailback. Senior Gerard Weyns will lead the way at fullback and pick up crucial short-yardage first downs.

The entire stable has packed on considerable muscle from last year in preparation for the 2014 campaign.

The Royal offensive front will be anchored by returning senior tackles Payten Stakkeland and Teddy Mead. The likely choice at center will be Carter Christensen, who will be looking to fill the shoes of his cousin and three year starter Collin.

Tony Mercado and Hunter Follett are among those who will battle for the remaining interior line positions.

With so many other experienced components in place, Royal's hopes for a championship-caliber season will rise and fall with the offensive line's ability to gel and mature.

Not only do you need capable individuals at every position, but they must collectively work in coordinated movement to prevent disruptive pressure from the opposing defensive front and create lanes and creases for the ground attack.

Defensively, the Knights experimented with 4-man and 3-man defensive fronts against the Quincy Jacks. The Royal offensive backfield is also the league's most imposing linebacking corps on defense.

Many of the same faces on the offensive side of the ball shared the majority of the snaps on defense. Building depth on defense before the start of the fall season will be critical. A couple of new players who will look to contribute significantly on defense are Jesus "Chapo" Torres, Matt Bartlett, and Carson Gilbert.

Head Coach Wiley Allred noted that the varsity group got in a lot more live snaps during the course of spring camp this year than last, which is likely a good indicator of overall team experience and familiarity with the offense.

The Knights will continue their preparation for the 2014 season by attending team camp at Eastern Washington University in Cheney from June 25-28. They will have the opportunity to work on individual position drills as taught by the EWU players and coaching staff.

There will be team drills, and they will scrimmage extensively against schools of all sizes and classifications.