OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Oak Ridge added to its proud tradition last year when the Wildcats made a run in the Class 6A state playoffs.

Oak Ridge made it to the state semifinals, before getting knocked out by eventual state champion Maryville.

Not bad for a team that finished the regular season 5-5.

As head coach Scott Blade and the Wildcats head into 2011, there's reason to believe Oak Ridge could once again be one of the last schools standing.

The Wildcats return eight starters on offense, including their do-it-all quarterback Brad Zulliger.

Oak Ridge is also in its third year in Blade's system.

"It's now year three and you start to see the fruits of your labor," Blade told WVLT. "Some of those growing pains we had to deal with are gone. The kids' attitudes and the kids' commitment have been really good."

Blade's biggest concern heading into 2011 is depth, but he does like his team's experience as well as the Wildcats' offensive line.

Oak Ridge opens up the year August 19 at home against Farragut.