For North Catholic second-year coach Bob Ravenstahl, building a program is more than victories and defeats.

It's a comprehensive process that, he said, has improved with a year of familiarity between coaches and players.

"I think we're definitely a lot stronger and have a lot more kids buying into the program and buying into the system," he said.

North Catholic will look to use that system to build on last year's WPIAL Class A playoff appearance.

"I think last year has carried over to this coming season," Ravenstahl said. "I think the excitement level is up a little bit.

"The continuity with the coaching staff is going to be different than it was last year. I can see everything meshing a little bit better."

In his first season as coach, Ravenstahl led the Trojans to a 5-5 record, an improvement from a 1-9 season in 2005.

North Catholic lost to Beth-Center in the first round of the WPIAL Class A playoffs.

This year, Ravenstahl will be without the consistency of quarterback Aaron Smetanka, the top passer in the WPIAL two years ago. As a result, Ravenstahl says the offense will be "more run-oriented than in the past."

North Catholic will rely on either senior Francis Ramsden or freshman Martin Long under center.

Sophomore Matt Fedzen, who ran for more than 100 yards in the playoff game last year, will be the primary running back. Fedzen will work behind an offensive line that Ravenstahl calls the team's "most experienced position."

With the North Catholic offense averaging only 159.4 yards per game last season, defensive improvement proved to be the most crucial part of the turnaround.

"That's what really held us together last year," he said. "We think we're going to be better this year defensively, even though we lost some key players."

The defense finished 39th in the WPIAL in yards allowed, with 222.7 per game. They allowed 21.3 points per game, a year after allowing 42.7.

To continue that trend in 2007, the Trojans will have to replace defensive back Jeff Wilkinson, linebacker Adam Beatty and tackle Andrew Fill.

Sweeney will anchor the defensive line with Robert Bailie.

Anthony Smith, an athlete with multifaceted talent, will play strong safety in a defensive backfield that loses Fran Long at cornerback. Fran's cousin, Matt, will play free safety.

There is some talent, but Ravenstahl said "question marks" remain in the secondary.

Those uncertainties make the coach cautious as he approaches the season. Still, he said he refuses to moderate his goals in the face of what's sure to be a challenge.

"We're going to go practice-to-practice, game-to-game," he said.

"Our goal is to make the playoffs and go a bit further than we did last year. Every game is a challenge, and I'm sure most teams in the section feel that way."