Preview capsule: Romeoville football

The key for Stingily is stamina. He will be on the field on virtually every defensive down. As for his offensive contributions, Kuna wants the ball in his hands more often than a year ago, when he rushed for 288 yards in 51 carries and caught 5 passes for 42 yards.

Romeoville won its two nonconference games last season but went 0-7 in the Southwest Prairie Conference. Kuna, the former longtime defensive coordinator at defending SPC champion Plainfield Central, said the commitment to change that fate began last November.

"The biggest thing, hopefully, is making a commitment in November to be a good team, not waiting until August," Kuna said. "The guys did extra work in the winter and spring that they usually did not do. Those little things, willing to go above and beyond what had been done in the past, that's what we hope will pay off."

Backfield : Junior quarterback Matt Gillis started five games as a sophomore. "Matt is one of the fastest guys on the team," Kuna said. "He's very good in the open field, tough to tackle 1-on-1, he's very strong and has a very strong arm. He can be a dual threat."

Senior tailback Derek Lewis was the team's leading ground gainer last season with 423 yards in 89 carries, a 4.8 average, but junior Paul Griffin appears to have won the starting job. "Josh knows his assignments and does all the little things right," Kuna said.

Then there's Stingily. "He will be a bigger part of our offense," Kuna promised. "He has the size, speed and strength that we want to utilize."

Linemen : The unit could be a true strength of the team. Returning starters are center Jon Bornman, right guard Gary Trimmer and right tackle Roger Griffin, a trio which averages more than 270 pounds. Christian Mayen will be the left guard, with Ed Sexton at left tackle. "We not only have experience with three returning starters, but those guys are big," Kuna said.

Receivers : Junior Donald Miller started five games last season as a sophomore and led the team in receiving with 9 catches for 174 yards. "We have faster guys, but Donald is quick, runs great routes and has phenomenal hands," Kuna said. Backup quarterback Erick Pierce is the other starting receiver and also a very good athlete.

Bo Goshorn and John Crowley, both defensive starters, are battling for time at tight end.

Linemen : The group is inexperienced but Kuna is happy with those who have stepped in. Sophomores Terrance Allen and Brad Smidt are in the mix at end and tackle, respectively. Kyle Vonderheide will be the other end, and Martin James and Chris Ward will play the other tackle. Smidt is 6-2, 360 "but he's not a kid who just stands there, he moves well," Kuna said. Ward is a 290-pound transfer from Joliet.

Linebackers : Stingily, who is being recruited by Division I schools as an inside linebacker but will be more of an outside linebacker for the Spartans, and Crowley are returning starters. They will be joined by junior inside linebacker Kyle Trethway and sophomore Perez Ford, who Kuna terms "one of those genetic freaks. He's 6-1, 200 and all muscle."

Secondary : The cornerbacks can run. Antoine Curry was runnerup in Football's Fastest Man Contest, and Kevin Dunn also is quick. Goshorn is the free safety.

Gillis will handle placekicking and punting chores, which may concern opponents. "We can do some things with the football in his hands," Kuna said.

The return game is solid with Miller a primary kick and punt returner, and other speed burners available.

Kuna takes over the offense this year, and he feels the Spartans can make some strides in that area, perhaps helping make a playoff push. "Our offense has been game tested more," he said. "But our defense did a great job this summer developing an identity and playing together. We had an excellent summer."