DUE WEST — With a bulked up schedule, Dixie is looking to build off of last season’s three-win season in coach Brian Gamble’s second campaign.

The Hornets return several quality players, and will look to sustain their ball-control offense better than they did last season. Because their roster includes about 35 players, many of their top contributors will be asked to play both sides.

“We’re going to be a lot better than last year,” senior lineman Gary Smith said. “Because everybody’s playing harder this year.”

Three players jockeyed for the quarterback position during the preseason: sophomore Chris Foster, sophomore Jordan Hall, and junior Jamaal Byers. Gamble said he’s looking for better on-field leadership.

“We’ve got to have better decision-making than we had last year, especially passing the ball,” he said.

Senior Mario Washington looks to comeback from a season-ending knee injury that he suffered on the opening kickoff of last year’s season opener.

“I’m looking forward to a lot,” Washington said. “I’ve got to make up for last year, and do what I can this year.”

Washington said Dixie would run more of a Wing offense — instead of the Wishbone — which helps establish the inside run. Sophomore Jamaury Norman’s quick feet should be ideal in that offense, Washington said.

And instead of worrying only about Ware Shoals in Region 1-A play, the Hornets also have to contend with Ninety Six following realignment.

Subtract Calhoun Falls and Hardeeville from last year’s schedule, and add Blacksburg, and Gamble realizes the uphill battle.

“It used to be Ware Shoals and us, Calhoun Falls and McCormick battling for second,” Gamble said. “It’ll be a tough road to go through Ware Shoals and Ninety Six.”

Gamble said his message to his players would be improvement each week to close the gap between Ware Shoals and Ninety Six.

To further build the program, Gamble said he continues to push for recreational football, and strength and conditioning courses.

“We feel like we’re ahead of where we were,” he said of entering his second season. “We still have a lot of work to do.”

Last year: 3-8 (lost in first round of playoffs)

Returning starters: 8 (4 on offense, 4 on defense)

Key loss: LB Elijah Proctor. Even though Proctor was injured in the fourth game of the season, the Hornets struggled to replace his intensity. Norman is expected to fill most of the void left by Proctor.

To be a factor in playoffs: “Offensively we’ve got to be able to control the ball more, sustain drives, score in the red zone. Things we were not good at last year. Keep our defense off the field, keep them a lot fresher.” — Brian Gamble

Big 3

Gary Smith, sr., OL/DL

The Hornets’ best lineman, Smith will be counted on to use his 5-11, 312-pound frame to clear holes for Washington and Norman, as well as disrupt opposing offenses. The question will be fitness as Smith will be asked to play plenty of snaps on both sides.

Mario Washington, sr., RB/LB

Suffered a season-ending knee injury in the opening game last season. Still pound-for-pound one of the strongest players on the team, and expected to contribute in a thin secondary, while also carrying the ball 20 times per game.

Jamaury Norman, so., RB/LB

Norman should anchor a thin linebacking corps while splitting carries with Washington. “He’s got quick feet, and ain’t scared to hit nobody,” Smith said.