Almost a week after his football team lost to Valdosta State in the NCAA Division II semifinals, John Luckhardt knew how close his Vulcans were to playing for the national championship.

"They made one more big play than we did," said Luckhardt, coach of the California University of Pennsylvania Vulcans.

"We had such a phenomenal year. The team gave such a tremendous effort," said Luckhardt, after the heartbreaking 28-24 loss. "That last drive exemplified their determination."

Valdosta State rallied from a 21-7 deficit to take a 28-24 lead with 3:13 left when Willie Copeland threw his third touchdown pass.

California took over and drove from its own 24 to the Valdosta 10, but a second-down pass by senior quarterback Joe Ruggiero was intercepted by Maurice Leggett in the end zone.

"That drive says a lot about our team," said Luckhardt. "It was a great season, but they made one more big play than we did. Twenty-four teams entered this tournament, but only one goes home happy."

The loss to Valdosta State ended the most successful season in California history. The Vulcans (13-1) set school records for wins in one season and the most consecutive victories.

"The team is obviously heartbroken, but they have a lot to be proud of," said Luckhardt. "They were a part of the most successful team in the history of California football."

Most of the team will have a chance to improve on this year's record-breaking season, as only eight starters graduate. But those eight will be hard to replace.

The Vulcans lose four starters on offense, including Ruggiero, a three-year starter who set the school record for career completion percentage (63.4 percent), tied the record for career touchdown passes (64), and finished second in career passing yards (7,462) and total offense (7,688).

Also lost to graduation from the Vulcans offense are: Ruggiero's two favorite targets Nate Forse and Jermaine Moye, and tackle Tim McCutcheon.

Forse, a Laurel Highlands graduate, led the team in receptions the past three years and finished his career with 148 catches and 2,068 yards. Moye, a Rochester graduate, caught 44 passes in his debut at wide receiver, which came after two seasons in the defensive backfield.

McCutcheon, a Quaker Valley graduate, is a four-year starter who was voted to the first team of the American Football Coaches Association All-American Team for the second year in a row. McCutcheon played all three line positions during his career.

"Tim is the best offensive lineman I've ever coached," said Luckhardt. "It will be tough to replace him, but fortunately we have a tackle returning who missed the season with a knee injury."

Luckhardt is referring to Cha'Mar Jones, a junior from Aliquippa who took a medical redshirt after a season-ending knee injury.

"We haven't decided on a quarterback yet, but plan to take a close look at Kevin McCabe," said Luckhardt. "Kevin has one year of eligibility remaining. We also have a couple freshmen we redshirted this year."

McCabe, a Pine-Richland graduate, transferred to Cal from the University of Virginia.

Luckhardt loses four starters from a defense that led the country in rush defense, total defense and scoring defense through the regular season. The Vulcans also set a school record with 50 sacks.

"Our biggest concern on defense will be to fill the graduation losses at linebacker," said Luckhardt. "We lose three of our four linebackers, including [Langley graduate] Gary Butler, who was named PSAC Western Division Defensive Player of the Year."

Also graduating are linebackers Josh Zunic and Brian Mohr and cornerback Dionte Henry. Zunic is a North Allegheny graduate, Mohr is from Riverside, and Henry is from West Allegheny.

"Gary had the most dominating season I've ever seen on defense," said Luckhardt. "Gary and Dionte have a chance to make it to the next level."

Luckhardt is on the recruiting trail, visiting players in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Michigan and several other states. He said he'd like to sign 22 to 26 recruits.