By Mark Gregory
@Hear_The_Beard
OFFENSE
Jordan Nettles
The Spartans will be paced by senior running back Jordan Nettles, who is committed to Northern Illinois University.
He will be joined in the backfield by senior Tyree Allen.
“Jordan brings speed, acceleration, and vision,” coach Oliver Gibson said. “Tyree is a big, strong physical runner.”
Opening the holes for the backs will be an offensive line led by senior Scott Oderio, the anchor of the offensive line and Thaddeus Ampadu – a three-year starter, who will see time on both sides of the ball. Joining the offense will be 6-foot, 5-inch, 185 pound junior quarterback Cam Neely.
“He really committed himself in the offseason and has Division I potential,” Gibson said. “Offensively, we are looking to control the tempo of the game, eliminate mistakes and take advantage of what the defense gives us. Our keys to success this year is how well we can execute our game plan.”
DEFENSE
On the defensive side of the ball, senior linebacker Birley Johnson leads the way. The coaching staff said Johnson brings great speed and instinct, and reminds them of former Spartan and current Western Michigan University linebacker Caleb Bailey.
On the defensive line, junior defensive end Mike Caceres, who started as a sophomore, and senior end Devon Maxey look to lead the way.
A trio of junior linebackers, Fabian Mariscal, Andres Jara and Daytwon Burge, will look to make an impact for the Spartans this season. Junior cornerback Ricky McKinney will also bring talent to the defensive backfield.
“Defensively, we are looking to stop the run, put the offense in predictable situations and create pivotal plays for our defense,” defensive coordinator Anthony Imbordino said. “Our keys to success on defense is how well we can execute our technique.”
OUTLOOK
The Spartans won just one game last year and will look to build on that in the second year under Gibson.
“Our goal for the season is to stay focused on going 1-0 each week,” Gibson said. “We have a talented group that worked extremely hard in the off-season and summer and looking forward to starting the season on a high note.”
Romeoville is also looking forward to the addition of Joliet West and Joliet Central to the Southwest Prairie Conference, but won’t look to far down the schedule.
“Anytime the conference brings in two new teams, it is exciting,” Gibson said. “However, we are very focused on our week one opponent.”