For the first time in years, the North Hills Indians may have to take a step back before they can resume their winning tradition.

"We will have to do things differently," said Jack McCurry, North Hills head coach.

On the 20-year anniversary of the 1987 No. 1 ranked team in the nation, the Indians will open the season with a new starting quarterback, running back and go-to receiver.

The starting quarterback duties will likely be handled by junior Justin Heinauer, while Ed Reith could emerge as the featured running back.

"We will count on Ed," McCurry said.

The offensive line will return three starters in Tim Corcoran, Kevin Salley and Jared Pretic.

"We get together and work out," Pretic said. "We should be pretty good."

Pretic said he is getting used to the new quarterbacks and expects the line to play at a whole new level this year.

The trio of seniors will be the key to keeping the defense off the young skill players.

"In high school, you have to start over all the time," McCurry said. "We will play with who we have and we will know where we are before conference play begins."

With games against Penn Hills and McKeesport to open the season, the Indians will know where they are in a hurry.

"We will have 12 underclassmen starting," said Eric Kasperowicz, offensive coordinator. "The seniors will have to lead by example and show the way."

Kasperowicz said the junior class is loaded with skill players who are versatile and ready to go.

"They are a good group," Kasperowicz said. "They are coachable and they want it."

The defense has fewer questions as leading tackler, linebacker Mike Hirt, will lead the way once again.

"It's on my shoulders," Hirt said. "I have to lead this team this year."

Second-leading tackler Ryan Welsh is also back to give opponents more to focus on than just Hirt. Salley will play on the defensive line, but the team has to fill in around their stars.

"We have some experience on the defensive line," said defensive coordinator Pat Carey. "But our secondary is brand new.

"We have quality kids back there, but they need experience."

Carey has a pretty good sense of defense and knows the kids have bought into the system.

"We will rely on Mike, who leads by example," Carey said. "We need him to step up as a vocal leader a little bit, too."

Kicker Anthony Valeriano will be back to bolster the special teams. With their punter and holder returning as well, McCurry hopes the special teams is a unit the team can lean on early this season.

The Indians have a tradition of excellence, and despite losing 30 seniors and bringing up only about 14 sophomores (making the roster about 55 kids as opposed to the usual number of 70) the expectations of McCurry and his staff have not wavered.

"The expectations of the 1987 team are the same as for the 2007 team," McCurry said. "Win games, make the playoffs and advance.

"All our records are on the wall in the locker room."

McCurry said the key is staying healthy, at least early on.

"If we lose key players early, we could be in trouble," he said. "We have to stay healthy."

No matter what happens, the Indians players know what they need to do and know what is at stake.

"This is the 20th anniversary for the 1987 team," Hirt said. "We have to step up and show why North Hills is always good."