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There once was a time when coach Phil Shultie was content to let his Sussex Central wrestlers score takedown after takedown and win matches on points rather than pins.

But the 1998-99 season has brought a change in philosophy for Shultie and the Golden Knights. With an experienced, senior-laden team, Central is racking up more falls this season than at any other time in recent memory.

"Now we are creating pins. We are forcing them (opponents) to make mistakes," Shultie said the day after his team recorded six pins, all under two minutes, in a 64-5 rout of Delmar. "We've got the horses this year. They're not afraid to go for those six points."

Through seven Henlopen Conference dual meets and four preseason tournaments, the Knights have already exceeded their pin total from all of last season. That is the primary reason why they are 7-0 and ranked fourth in the state.

"Lately, I've been going for the pin," said senior Joey Davis, who has wrestled at 119 and 125 pounds this year. "I like going out there and showing what I've got."

Shultie noted each wrestler has his favorite combination of pin moves and the result has been numerous six-point falls and lopsided team victories. By averaging five pins per meet, Central is closer to realizing its goal of winning the Northern Division title.

Confidence and a strong work ethic may also make the Knights a force on the statewide scene.

"They know that they're good, they know what they have to do to win," Shultie said. "I have a real good feeling about this team. We're doing OK, I can't complain. I'm very pleased and satisfied with what we're doing."

The backbone of the team is a group of seniors that includes Davis, Anthony Andrews (140), Jason Riddle (152), Deon Brunskill (160), Kurt Wolfe (171) and Jerone Nocks (HWT). Most have wrestled at the varsity level since their freshman year and are now at the top of their game.

"We've got a good nucleus of guys there," Shultie said. "They're going to be hard to replace. They've been working hard for three or four years."

With underclassmen James Leyh (103), Steve Swain (112) and Jake Booth (189) also having successful seasons, Central again boasts one of the top wrestling programs in Delaware.

Earlier this season, Leyh, Swain, Andrews and Wolfe won individual titles at the Seaford Invitational tournament. Central also took the team title.

At the Milford invitational in December, Andrews, Wolfe and Brunskill won their weight classes while four other Central wrestlers finished second.

"I think this is the best team (since I've been here)," Davis said. "We've got more heart than most years."

Davis believes the Knights can compete with anyone in the state and could be a force in the individual and dual-meet state championships.

"We're working more as a team this year," he said. "It's pretty exciting. We're working a lot harder in practice."

Brunskill is undefeated this season and a legitimate state title contender at 160 pounds. The senior plans to practice with more intensity as the season reaches its crucial stage.

"I think we've got a good chance if everybody stays focused," he said. "We need to step it up a little more. I think this is the best team we've had in a while."

The biggest date on Central's schedule is Feb. 3 when it travels to Caesar Rodney for a meet that will likely determine the Henlopen North champion. The Riders are also undefeated.

"We're going to have to pull some upsets," Shultie said.