Grab a seat at L.L. Willis Stadium on any given Friday night this fall and hold on tight. The Midland Valley Mustangs could return to the playoffs for the second season in a row, or they may return to their 1-9 days of 2004 and 2005.

Either way, it's probably going to be a high-scoring affair whenever the Mustangs take the field.

"We've got to be able to play some defense, but we feel like we've got a couple of good ones on offense," head coach Rick Knight said. "It could be fun this year."

Scoring shouldn't be a problem with running back Jesse Scott and quarterback Cameron Epting returning for their senior seasons. Keeping opponents from scoring will be an issue -- the Mustangs lost nine starters on defense.

"And we weren't all that great on defense last year," Knight said. "We're going to have to get it together."

Fortunately for Midland Valley fans, the offense may be up to the challenge. Scott showed off his skills in a preseason scrimmage against perennial state title contender Blackville-Hilda. The small but agile back scooted through the defense for a 60-yard touchdown. He caught a pass on the flat and turned upfield for an 80-yard touchdown run later in the game.

"Jesse's about as good as we've had around here," Knight said. "We've just got to figure out ways to get him the football but keep him fresh."

The only snag that may trip up the Mustangs' offense is the defense's need for Scott. Knight said the starting tailback is also the team's top cornerback. Throw in his punting duties, and Scott will be one busy Mustang.

Knight said he'll experiment with Scott at receiver at times to try to prevent his top athlete from tiring.

"I've got to get in better shape," Scott said. "Offensively, I know we'll be able to drive the ball, but we're going to have to make some big plays on defense."

A difficult test will come early in the season for the Mustangs.

Rival North Augusta, which hasn't lost to Midland Valley since 1998, will play host to the Mustangs in both teams season opener. It's the first of five non-region games for Midland Valley before the start of the Region 5-AAA schedule. The Mustangs' regular-season schedule ends on Halloween against region rival South Aiken.

"If we can just get it together and play South Aiken for the region championship here," Knight said. "That's what we're aiming for."

Reach Billy Byler at (706) 823-3216 or billy.byler@augustachronicle.com.