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First-year Rockville football coach Kevin Bernot looks to take the program to the next level this fall, and that starts over the summer.

The 1990 Sherwood graduate knows a little something about putting together a winning team: He spent the last five years working under eight-time state champion Al Thomas. He comes to Rockville fresh of a Class 4A state title.

"There will be a learning curve with the new offense," Bernot said. "If the guys pick up everything during two-a-days, we do have guys that can run the ball real well. … If they buy into the system, we've proven [at Sherwood] this system works."

Encouraging for Bernot is the depth he inherits at the skill positions, including rising junior running back Crusoe Gongbay. The sturdy speedster was the county's fourth-leading rusher last year with 1,401 yards.

However, Bernot is still trying to identify a quarterback. In summer passing league games, three candidates rotated under center: rising sophomore Ruxx Carmines, senior Philip McTighe and junior Chris Brown. McTighe is also a talented wide receiver and tight end.

"If there is one deficiency, it is going to be our line," Bernot said. "We have a few good guys but there is not a lot of depth. But we have a lot of guys in the weight room. We are averaging 35 to 45 kids in there each night."

-Head coach: Kevin Bernot, first year

-Last year's record: 5-5

-Key losses: OL Ronnie Heckman, WR Yoel Goldstein, QB Peter Nalle