• Relive the 'Cats 2000 State Title
• Make Your 2001 Predictions

Photo: Linebacker Lawrence Sinagra (top) and head coach Dave Hearn (below).

So what do you do for an encore after winning a state championship?

A year ago, after Delmar outlasted St. Elizabeth 41-34 in the Division II state championship game, a couple of the Wildcat sophomores who contributed so much to that state title vowed that it wouldn't be the only one of their careers.

"... this isn't the first one and it's not going to be the last one," said tight end and defensive end Michael Hunt then. "We're going for two more."

Head coach Dave Hearn says another state title is the goal this season but that could be a tough chore with the graduation of all-conference performers Dustin Johnson at quarterback and Ian Hudson at running back. Both were game-breakers capable of scoring on any play.

With their two major threats gone, the Wildcats may not be as explosive offensively this season, but the defense that turned it on at the end of the season returns several stalwarts from last year.

Besides Hunt, a first team all-conference Southern Division pick at defensive end, the Wildcats return first team all-conference linebacker Lawrence Sinagra and second team all-conference linebacker Vince Stewart.

And while it will be tough to replace players like Johnson and Hudson, the Wildcats do have second team all-conference running back Sean Hudson -- Ian's younger brother -- and lineman Jacob Dattilo back on offense.

Following is a capsule preview of the Wildcats' 2001 campaign.

Head Coach: Dave Hearn, 11th season, 72-34 overall, 2 state titles

2000 Record: 11-1 overall, Division II state champions (11 straight wins), 6-0 Henlopen South

Key Returning Players: Michael Hunt (TE-DE), Lawrence Sinagra (RB-LB), Sean Hudson (RB-DB), Vince Stewart (RB-LB), Jacob Dattilo (OL), Troi Handy (RB-DB), James Stewart (RB-LB), Jeff Wright (RB-DE), Demeris Cannon (E-DB), Travis Hearn (C-LB), Scott Price (RB-DE), Zarar Shauket (RB-LB), Cody Collins (K)

Key Players Lost: Dustin Johnson (QB-DB, Salisbury University), Ian Hudson (RB-DB, Wesley College), Lamar Stewart (G-DT), Chris Zidanic (E-LB), Raymond Hammond (FB-DE), Ben Watkins (T-DT), Jamie Wegner (T-DT)

Key Newcomers: Mark Johnson (RB-DB), John Webster (QB-DB), Jonathan Ellis (QB-DB), Josh Farr (G-LB), Shaun McLain (E-DB), Billy Owens (T-DT), Maurice Stewart (RB-LB), Trey Jackson (RB-DT), Brandon Hudson (QB-DB)

Coach Hearn's Comments: "Quickness, a positive attitude and high expectations are strengths. The Henlopen South title and an opportunity to repeat in December are overall goals. We must find leaders and replace several key players. We must locate those who will give us better overall depth."

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