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ROMEOVILLE – Romeoville struggled in a winless season last year.
However, a year later with most of his players returning with experience, coach Oliver Gibson is filled with optimism as 10 starters on offense and seven on defense return.
The talent starts with dual-threat quarterback Zach Gibson, who has gotten multiple NCAA Division I looks. The quarterback has been working hard in the offseason to refine his craft, Oliver Gibson said.
“He’s worked his tail off to learn the quarterback position,” Oliver Gibson said. “He’s a natural athlete but now a good quarterback. He’s dual threat. He can run and pass.”
The signal caller should have a lot of playmakers to distribute the ball to. Wide receiver Keedan Foster has received D-I offers and should provide a speedy target. Foster has the type of big-play ability Romeoville will need.
“He is a very shifty player, just an elusive athlete,” Oliver Gibson said. “He’s very hard to cover. He’s smart, knows when to come back to the ball. He has stupid speed.”
Along with Foster, Naurice Trent, Kejaun Stamps and Donovan Dehoyos also should see quite a few touches for an offense that wants to control the ball and clock. Trent rushed for more than 600 yards last season and is expected to produce the same, if not more, this year.
Team speed is expected to be a major strength. Dehoyos is a solid pass-catching tight end who is looking to hone his skills as he heads to the next level next season at the University of St. Francis.
Oliver Gibson expects Logan Miller to be the leader on the offensive line, a a group that will be important if the team wants to utilize all of its playmakers.
On the defensive side of the ball, Oliver Gibson expects Ty Ross-Childs to be a talented leader at the linebacker spot. Ross-Childs played defensive back last year but will make the switch to linebacker this season. Joey De La Rosa also figures to be a key cog on defense.
When asked to pinpoint some of the bigger games on the schedule, Oliver Gibson deferred, saying the Spartans are a team that can’t look past anyone.
“Always Week 1,” Oliver Gibson said about the biggest games on the schedule. “We have the juggernaut of Oswego East. We’re playing at their place. Traditionally, they’re a great program. We’ll see how we measure up. We’re looking for some payback, but we know we have our work cut out for us.”
So, what’s key for Romeoville to make some noise this year?
“Consistency,” Oliver Gibson said. “We have to play consistent. There were times when we showed potential, but we need to stop the run. Our defensive backfield is pretty darn good with the pass, but we need to stop the run.