SELINSGROVE -- Steve Briggs is working out 71 mostly familiar faces for 15 practices this spring, concluding a week from Saturday.

The Susquehanna coach is hoping for some unfamiliar results from his veteran team this fall.

Briggs welcomes a combined 19 returning starters on offense and defense plus both specialists from a team that finished 2-8 in 2007, the Crusaders' fifth consecutive losing season.

"It's a confidence thing," said Briggs, entering his 19th season, second in the Liberty League. "We lost four or five games last season by a touchdown or less. It's about execution, believing in what you're doing and getting your playmakers the ball."

Junior running back Dave Paveletz is SU's biggest playmaker. He ran for 1,173 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2007. Senior quarterback Derek Pope also will be asked to shoulder some of the load offensively. He threw for 1,772 yards and nine touchdowns a season ago.

"Paveletz is there, (fullback) Charlie Henry is a leader and Derek is doing a real nice job this spring," Briggs said. "(But) we still have light years to go."

Where the Crusaders are gaining with 23 seniors -- their biggest group in nearly a decade -- they also are searching.

Offensive coordinator Gary Brown left for an assistant's job at Division I Rutgers, leaving SU with a big void to fill.

"It's late in the process even though it's only spring ball," Briggs said. "But it's a great opportunity for Gary."

SU is interviewing candidates and looks to have a replacement in the next couple of weeks.

The Crusaders have just one offensive opening, with Steve Evans, a Lourdes Regional High graduate, the leading candidate at right tackle. They return their entire starting backfield and top three receivers.

But SU averaged only 19.2 points per game and had 28 turnovers in 10 games in 2007.

However, Briggs is looking to his defense to make the biggest improvement. Selinsgrove's Bill Moore is moving from tight end to defensive end to help solidify the front. Defensive tackle Manny Ramirez returns after a season off and comes in at 280 pounds.

"I've been pleased with the enthusiasm and focus," Briggs said. "There is a lot of installing things and repetitions.

"It's a fun team to be around."