AIKEN --- Head coach Carey Johnson doesn't expect a repeat of the woes that tripped up Aiken in 2007.

The Hornets posted a 5-7 record and didn't win their region. Lopsided losses to Beaufort, Dorman and Camden County (Ga.) set the tone early. Injuries and turnovers were the primary culprits in Aiken's slow start.

At the end of the season, Aiken lost to rival South Aiken, 42-17, for the first time since 1993. The Hornets followed that with a 48-14 loss to South Pointe in the first round of the playoffs.

Johnson's team is loaded with nearly two dozen seniors, and he's expecting the Hornets to return to the form that saw them dominate their region and contend for state titles.

"Our leadership level has picked up this year from last," Johnson said. "We've got a good senior bunch that has been a big inspiration for the younger guys."

Chief among Aiken's senior leaders is Hudson Smith, a versatile lineman who also sees time at tight end and fullback. Smith is attracting college attention from Vanderbilt, Presbyterian and others.

"We've got guys on this team who know what it's like to win, and we've got guys who are pushing everybody," Smith said. "That's what we need. Everybody's stepping up. We've got depth. We know we can count on the players behind us."

Johnson agreed.

"That senior group has a lot of good guys," he said. "They're special. This will be a special year for them."

With Smith and several other returning starters, Johnson feels good about his offense.

Kessler Scott will get the nod at quarterback, and he has a veteran line to protect him. Cortez Abney, who scored a pair of touchdowns in the Aiken County Jamboree, returns at tailback.

Johnson said there is room to get better on the defensive side.

"We didn't play good defense last year, so we've been working hard to improve defensively," he said.

The Hornets gave up 40 or more points four times in 2007. Aiken returns a handful of defensive linemen, including seniors Jimmy Bass, Andrew Allen and Kaleb Broome.

But the bottom line is the Hornets must stay healthy. With a small roster for a Class AAAA school (48 players), Johnson knows he can't afford to lose many players.

"Hopefully, we can stay healthy. We might have a little luck on our side, and we might do some things," Johnson said. "A couple of injuries will take any good team down, especially where you don't have the depth. We're looking to stay healthy."

Reach John Boyette at (706) 823-3337 or john.boyette@augustachronicle.com.