Sylvan Hills hasn’t won a conference title in 10 seasons.

The Bears are arguably in their best position to challenge for one this season.

With senior quarterback Tra Doss leading the way, Sylvan Hills Coach Jim Withrow is optimistic going into the 2014 season in which the Bears hope to challenge Pulaski Academy for supremacy in the 5A-Central.

Doss is one of several seniors, including slotback/safety Marlon Clemons, that have helped lead the Bears to two consecutive playoff appearances in Class 5A.

“I feel comfortable with them because they understand what we want to do,” Withrow said. “They’ve got a good grasp of our offense and our defense. I have a lot of faith and a lot of trust in them. The one thing that we can do is that we can move forward a lot faster than we have in the past, so that’s been really nice.”

Sylvan Hills, which returns 12 starters, including eight on offense, has leaned on Doss for the past two seasons. Doss, 5-11, 185 pounds, has rushed for more than 1,200 yards and scored 23 touchdowns and added more than 1,000 passing yards.

This summer, Doss engineered Sylvan Hills’ victory in the 7-on-7 Garrett Uekman Memorial Tournament at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

“He understands what we’re trying to do,” Withrow said. “It’s one of those deals where he understands situations. Late in the game, he understands what we’re trying to do. He knows the clock. There’s so many things that a three-year guy helps you with.”

Clemons, 5-9, 175, rushed for more than 800 yards last season to lead the Bears’ backfield that also features senior Tyler Davis and junior Brandon Bracely.

Seniors Haden Hawkins, 6-3, 290, and Clark Thornton, 6-1, 300, anchor the Bears’ offensive line at guard and center, respectively. Hawkins, who scored a 33 on the ACT, is being recruited by Harvard, Yale and others, and has been offered scholarships by Arkansas Tech and Ouachita Baptist.

Clemons leads the Bears’ secondary and will shift from cornerback to strong safety, Withrow said. Bracely and DeAngelo Bell are at cornerback.

At linebacker, junior Marquaylan Jones and Little Rock Parkview transfer Jonathan Hicks will contribute to a defense that returns four starters.

Withrow said the Bears have had at least 65 players in fall camp, which is crucial for depth, he added.

“In 5A, there are certain guys you can’t replace,” Withrow said. “At some point, one guy may be a two-way starter. So we’ve tried to create more depth.”

With his most experienced team since he arrived at Sylvan Hills in 2007, Withrow said it will be a disappointment if the Bears don’t get to the playoffs this season.

“It’s on our shoulders now,” he said. “I like where we’re headed. I like what we’re doing. We’ve never been this far along in a fall camp. We’re ready to take that next step.”