Hammonton High School is in the opposite spot from last season.
In 2008, the Blue Devils returned experienced offensive and defensive lines and inexperienced skill position players.
This year, the skill position players are experienced and the linemen are new.
Hammonton finished 9-3 and reached the South Jersey Group III final, losing to undefeated Shawnee 28-7.
Despite the different circumstances, the Blue Devils should again contend for the Cape-Atlantic League American Conference and South Jersey Group III titles.
"I think I'd rather have the skill guys back than the linemen," Hammonton coach Pete Lancetta said. "Traditionally our offensive line has been pretty good. We'll continue to improve. We have a lot of weapons."
The Blue Devils feature a number of versatile, speedy players.
"We haven't had speed like this in a while," Lancetta said. "A lot of guys are interchangeable. We're having a lot of fun."
Quarterback Nick Crescenzo is the fastest player on the team. He rushed for 518 yards and threw for 481 yards and seven touchdowns. Crescenzo will also play running back and wide receiver.
Tyler D'Amelio has a powerful arm and will play quarterback when Crescenzo lines up in another spot.
Fullback Josh Baez and halfback David Crescenzo, Nick's cousin, form a potent inside-outside combination. The duo combined to run for more than 1,700 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Ian Evans, a 6-foot-3, 235-pound defensive end and tight end, has verbally committed to the University of Maryland. He caught six touchdown passes last season. Evans is a fierce rusher and big target on offense.
"He's a force on both sides of the ball," Lancetta said.
The only veteran on the line is Bill Fackelman. But as Lancetta said, the program has a history of developing linemen.
PLAYOFF APPEARANCES: 24
LAST APPEARANCE: 2008
PLAYOFF RECORD: 22-20
CHAMPIONSHIPS: 4
LEAGUE/GROUP: Cape-Atlantic League American Conference/South Jersey Group III
COACH: Pete Lancetta (169-44-2, 20 seasons)
2008 RECORD: 9-3
2009 PREDICTION: Contender.
The Blue Devils are inexperienced up front but are loaded at the skill positions, especially with quarterbaack Nick Crescenzo and tight end Ian Evans.
THE GROUND GAME:
David Crescenzo and Josh Baez combined to rush for nearly 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns last season.
KEY PLAYERS:
Ian Evans, Sr., TE/DE, 6-3, 235;
Nick Crescenzo, Sr., QB/RB/DB, 5-9, 160;
David Crescenzo, Sr., RB/DB, 5-8, 155;
Josh Baez, Sr., FB/DE, 6-2, 195;
Jarred Sanchez, Sr., RB, 5-10, 170;
Tyler D'Amelio, So., QB, 6-0, 170;
William Fackelman, Sr., OL/DL, 6-4, 240;
C.J. Plummer, Jr., OL/DL, 6-1, 275;
Bill Doyle, Sr., OL/DL, 5-10, 190;
Justin Andronico, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 185;
Jim Alexander, Jr., LB, 6-1, 190;
Juklio Rodtriguez, Sr., DB/RB, 5-8, 150;
Antonio Rodriguez, Sr., LB/RB, 5-8, 170;
Esteban Sandoval, Jr., K, 5-5, 150;
Fred Eskridge, Sr., DL, 5-10, 180;
Stephen Musto, Jr., OL, 5-10, 210;
Jacob Hosko, Sr., DL, 5-11, 253;
Dominic Siconolfi, Sr., WR, 5-11, 165.
Hammonton's 2009 football schedule:
Sept. 11: at Absegami, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25: Atlantic City, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2: Oakcrest, 7 p.m.
Oct. 9: Ocean City, 7 p.m
Oct. 16: at Mainland, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23: at Vineland, 7 p.m.
Oct. 30: Millville, 7 p.m.
Nov. 6: Egg Harbor Township, 7 p.m.
Nov. 28: at St Joseph, Hammonton, 11 a.m.
