CENTRAL — With five state championships, expectations are always high at D.W. Daniel. This year, they’re as lofty as they’ve ever been.

The Lions have 11 returning starters from a team that went 11-2 and advanced to the third round of the playoffs, which makes Daniel a popular pick to play for another state title.

“Right now they’re as high as they’ve been since the McIntosh group,” coach Randy Robinson said, referring to star running back Chris McIntosh’s senior season in 2005. “That senior group didn’t handle it well, and we didn’t make it. I challenge this senior group to handle the expectations with hard work.”

The Lions return senior quarterback Justin Walker, in his third year starting, along with senior running back Michael Wingard, who rushed for 946 yards last season and 11 TDs.

Robinson said he would challenge Walker to be more of a vocal leader, especially with young offensive linemen in front of him.

“I’m just trying to have the best year I can for the team and if we win, that’ll speak for itself,” Walker said. “I’m just trying to be a championship quarterback.”

Robinson said the offense would rely more on the passing game with the addition of junior DeAndre “Nook” Hopkins, who primarily played cornerback last year. And senior Marcus Greenlee returns after leading the team with 30 catches for 454 yards and three TDs last season.

“The skill guys know we have to catch it every time we throw it,” Robinson said. “We’re banking a lot on opening the offense up and getting the guys the ball out there.”

The Lions lost three starters from the offensive line, which is one of the biggest question marks.

“We spent all summer saying ‘We’ve got to protect Justin, if we’re going to throw the football,’” Robinson said. “The challenge is out there for the offensive linemen.”

Another question is replacing last year’s leading tackler, Duane Justice. Robinson plans for two-year starter Wynton Botchway to step in for Justice at linebacker. Botchway was second on the team with 93 tackles, including 12 for a loss.

Botchway, along with the sterling secondary, will try to build on last year’s defense, which held eight opponents to 15 points or less.

Last year: 11-2 (lost in third round of playoffs)

Returning starters: 11 (5 on offense, 6 on defense)

Key loss: LB Duane Justice was the team’s leading tackler last season with 131 including 15 for a loss.

To be a factor in playoffs: Avoid injuries and develop the offensive line. The Lions have as much talent and experience at the skill positions as they’ve had in at least three seasons. The only thing that could derail another region title is the O-line not making holes for Wingard, or allowing Walker to suffer an onslaught from opposing pass-rushers.

Justin Walker, sr., QB

Walker has drawn some college interest from FCS schools like Furman and Presbyterian, and with a good start to the season, could draw an offer or two. He threw for 1,393 yards last season with 15 TDs and 8 INTs. He completed 49 percent of his passes and also scored three rushing TDs.

Jerrodd Williams, sr., DB/KR

The Virginia Tech commit averaged 34.1 yards per kickoff return with 2 TDs last season. He also picked off four passes and returned one for a touchdown, while registering 43 tackles.

DeAndre Hopkins, jr., DB/WR

In his first season playing football, Hopkins intercepted an area-high 14 passes (returned for 167 yards), including two returned for touchdowns. Had 37 tackles. Also caught 12 passes for 271 yards and four touchdowns, and plans to get more time on offense this season.