HUNTSVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Tony Lambert's football days have come full circle.

A 1985 graduate of Scott High, Lambert is now entering his first year as the school's head coach.

"I know the kids. I was one of those kids," Lambert said.

Lambert was Scott's defensive coordinator last year. He was promoted after Keith Shannon stepped down last December.

"Being with those guys for a year in the weight room, they have worked their tales off," Lambert continued.

"They know our defensive system. We will be a little more run oriented from what they have been in the past. We've got to slow it down and do the things we can do to give ourselves a chance."

Lambert returns five starters on offense and defense from a team that went 7-5 in 2010 and made it to the second round of the playoffs.

The Highlanders will be a young team. Scott only has eight seniors on the roster.

Scott opens up the year August 19 at Gibbs.