Cheraw, S.C. –

The usual Cheraw swagger to start the season is not there.

Yet.

“I have confidence in the guys we have,” coach Johnny White said. “I think we have to make our mind up and make sure to play our kind of football.”

Cheraw has traditionally been a run-heavy team. But, the Braves lost all five starting offensive linemen from last year to graduation. The lone man with experience on the line is tight-end Brad Bradley.

“I’m the only one coming back,” Bradley said. “I feel the duty to help everyone out and I hope I can do that.”

Cheraw, 8-5 in 2009, lost in the third round of the playoffs. The Braves return seven starters’ total, but injuries are already a concern early in this season.

“We lost a starting quarterback to a knee injury and 12-kids couldn’t play in the jamborees because of injuries,” White said. “We’re banged up right now but it gives other kids an opportunity to show what they can do.”

Cheraw must be ready at the beginning of the season. Cheraw’s first three games are against Dillon, Marlboro County and Chesterfield.