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Just a month ago, Einstein head football coach Mike Bonavia was all smiles. He had good reason to be.

In 2008, Bonavia's third year at the school, he guided the Titans to their best record (5-5) in nearly a decade. He was beginning to see the success he had at Richard Montgomery in the early 2000s take hold.

Despite a handful of personnel losses due to graduation, including offensive linemen Kelson Patterson (University of Rhode Island) and quarterback Chris Benitez, the core of the Titans squad was slated to return for a potential Class 3A playoff run.

But just days before the Titans were set to begin preseason practices on Aug. 15, the county's reigning rushing leader (1,506 yards, 15 touchdowns) and first-team All-Gazette selection Malcolm Crockett made an unexpected decision. After participating in the entire offseason with Einstein, Crockett informed Bonavia that he would be transferring to Friendship Collegiate (D.C.).

Despite the news of losing his best player, Bonavia's confidence in his team never wavered.

"These guys still believe and we have the same expectations," Bonavia said. "It might actually be [a blessing] because our offense will open up a little bit more and be balanced. Not just because Malcolm isn't here, but we have the kids to get involved."

The new feature back will be sophomore Keith Gaye, who flashed potential in the preseason with great instincts and vision. Gaye will shoulder the rushing load along with the hard-hitting fullback/linebacker Desmon Ellis.

"What's great is that these guys said, ‘Coach, I'm not Malcolm, but I'll be the best [darn] back I can be,'" Bonavia said. "They won't get 25-30 carries, but we will be productive."

Added Gaye: "I expect to make big plays and help my team win. I am trying to at least score 10 touchdowns and run for 1,000 yards."

If Gaye and the rest of the Titans want to keep Bonavia smiling, a young offensive line will have quickly gel. Led by two-way veteran Hamzah Lodge, the Titans should be able to open holes and provide time for quarterback Bobby Stouffer, who split time with Benitez last year. Stouffer's top target will be Kwame Asante.

Newcomer Alante Rhoden is also expected to contribute immediately as the Titans' best pure athlete. Bonavia describes Rhoden as "an exciting real threat," and hopes to take advantage of his skill set by lining him up all over the field.

"I believe we can take the next step to the playoffs and be 7-3," said Lodge. "The only reason Malcolm got all those yards is we opened holes for him. We have made huge improvements and we just have to put people in right places."

Einstein

Head coach: Mike Bonavia, 4th year (10-20 record; 15th overall, 68-74)

League: Montgomery 3A

Last year's record: 5-5

Last playoff appearance: 1998 (1st)

Last state title: None

Players to watch: RB Keith Gaye, OL Hamzah Lodge, MLB/FB Desmon Ellis, ATH Alante Rhoden

2008 results

Sept. 5 — Wheaton (W), 10-7

Sept. 12 — Damascus (L), 40-7

Sept. 19 — Rockville (L), 19-2

Sept. 26 — Kennedy (W), 22-12

Oct. 3 — Paint Branch (L), 29-24

Oct. 10 — Northwood (W), 22-18

Oct. 17 — Watkins Mill (W), 44-42 (OT)

Oct. 24 — Clarksburg (L), 34-6

Oct. 31 — B-CC (W), 54-30

Nov. 7 — Seneca Valley (L), 49-0

2009 schedule

Sept. 4 — Richard Montgomery, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 11 — at Kennedy, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 17 — Seneca Valley, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 — at Poolesville, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 2 — Clarksburg, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 9. — Northwood, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 16 — at Quince Orchard, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 23 — at Blake, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 30 — Watkins Mill, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 6 — at Wheaton, 6:30 p.m.