Will it be déjà vu in 2023?

The Cardinals certainly hope so.

A year ago, they found themselves going into the season with just four returning starters (all on defense) among 15 lettermen. The Cardinals defied the odds and went on to an 8-3 season, which included a perfect 7-0 march to a Southwest Junior College Football Conference regular season championship.

Fast forward to the season at hand and the Cardinals again have four starters (two on both sides of the ball) among 15 returning lettermen.

"Last year was a special season," sixth-year head coach Sherard Poteete said. "With the question marks we had headed into the season; I am very proud of the way our kids and staff responded to the challenges we faced."

Though different than this time a year ago, questions will again need to be answered. Such is life in junior college football in this world of ever-changing rosters.

"The biggest questions we face offensively is being so young up front and a lack of depth at wide receiver," Poteete said. "Defensively, it's going to be whether or not our front seven can hold things down while a young secondary learns to play at this level."

Poteete hopes his newcomers learn at the same rate as a year ago. After dropping a 36-14 decision on the road to No. 5. Snow College in a game televised on ESPN+, the Cardinals then went on an eight-game winning streak and visited the SWJCFC throne room.

"The trip out to Snow was big for us," Poteete said. "It showed the kids new to our program the quality of competition at this level. It also strengthened our bond."

The schedule is similar this time around. Snow is first up, but the game will be played Thursday, Aug. 24 at Tiger Stadium on the campus of Malakoff High School.

While Poteete has questions when it comes to the trenches, he has none at quarterback. Redshirt sophomore Darion Peace (6-2, 215) returns to run the show. He completed 189-of-330 passes for 2,464 yards and 20 touchdowns.

"Darion is a better quarterback going into the season than at anytime he's been with us," Poteete said. "He has grown up a lot, is healthier and has a better understanding and command of the offense."

Matthew Duncan (6-1, 220) provides the Cardinals with another dependable option at the position. He was Poteete's "go to guy" in certain situations last season.

"Matthew is a tough, savvy, confident young man" Poteete said. "He's the type of kid a coach knows he can count on."

Quincy Thompson (5-10, 225) also gives the Cardinals reason for optimism in the backfield. In his debut season at running back, Thompson ran for 832 yards on 160 carries. He scored five touchdowns.

The Cardinals are deep at the tight end position. Rowdy Godwin (6-7, 250), Andrew Allison (6-4, 235) and Dayton Sweeting (6-2, 230) give Poteete high expectations.

 "I am really excited about this group," Poteete said. We have great versatility in that they are true receivers and can also play with a hand on the ground. We will need to find a way to keep them on the field a lot."

At wide receiver, the Cardinals appear to be set at the slot with Rayshawn Glover (5-8, 170) and Da'John Palomo (5-9, 160). The question going into the season, according to Poteete, is on the outside.

Defensively, the unquestioned leaders are returning starting linebackers Joe Sniffin (6-1, 190) and David Tuihalanginie 5-11, 195). Sniffin was in on 97 tackles last season, including 56 solo stops. Tuihalanginie recorded 67 tackles.

Of course, a case can also be made for end McCoy Casey (6-2, 250). In his freshman year, Casey was in on 54 tackles, including 12 for losses.

Second-year defensive coordinator Mark McMillan will also rely heavily on Kedarian Erskine (6-2, 275), Ravonte Blowe (6-3, 260) and Kobe Kendrick (6-3, 245) on the defensive front, Reid Pulliam (6-2, 227) and Kylan Whitehurst (6-1, 210) at linebacker and Isaiah Crosby (5-11, 175) and Corey Kelley (5-9, 180) in the secondary.

"Even though there's not a lot of starters returning on that side of the ball, we feel good about our personnel," Poteete said. "We have a lot of experience at the linebacker position and depth up front."

As for Poteete's expectations for the season?

"Our expectations are always high … always will be." Poteete said. "To be successful, we know we must be prepared to be our very best each time we step onto the field."

As for the SWJCFC?

"With the roster uncertainties every team faces, there may be more unknowns going into a season than ever before in our league," Poteete said. "I expect there will be a logjam at the top.

"One thing that hasn't changed is the need for teams to bring their best every Saturday – every Saturday."