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It may be just a "little" thing, but for Quince Orchard head football coach Dave Mencarini, the beginning of Wednesday's pre-scrimmage practice was just as important as any other drill.

The sixth-year head coach was teaching the Cougars how to line up and where to go during their pregame routine.

"You've got to look good to play good," said the meticulous Mencarini.

Despite the graduation four NCAA Division I players (Travis Hawkins, Jason Ankrah, Terrence Stephens and Cody Magill) off last year's 10-2, Class 4A West Region finalist squad, the lofty expectations remain. The Cougars return seven starters on each side of the ball.

"I think any time you lose four high-profile guys that received a lot of attention, it's real easy for a team to have that as a built-in excuse," said Mencarini. "These kids, they haven't done that. This group has done everything we asked of them and they feel like they have a lot to prove. … We have a motto here that we adopted in the offseason: ‘We play for those who came before and we set the standard for those who follow.'"

Last year's starting quarterback Kevin Adams, who has been described by Mencarini as "possibly the best defensive back I've ever coached," will play in the secondary and at wide receiver. He will return kicks and punts, as well.

"Me changing position is better for the team," said Adams. "The ultimate goal is a championship, so I will do whatever. We feel really strong about this year. No big names and everyone does their jobs."

Taking the vacated spot under center is junior Drew Murphy, who will have a plethora of targets. In addition to Adams, Magruder transfer Karim Jones and seniors Mitch Carney, Jason Bellamy and Pernell Brantley will all contribute.

Taking the pressure off Murphy will be four-year varsity running back Ben Sasu, who is finally poised for a breakout year.

"I had my fair share of carries, but I'm definitely looking forward [to an advanced role]," Sasu said. "We've got a lot returning on the line to help me, the quarterback and wide receivers. All of their successes make my success."

The offensive line is the Cougars' strongest unit, with four of five starters returning: Asa Winborne (left guard), Jonathan Levin (center), Michael Chiang (right guard) and Matt Bracho (right tackle).

Defensively, Carney and Chris Hower return to start at safety, with Tyler Magill wreaking havoc from his defensive end.

With the state's biennial reclassification, the Cougars drop down to 3A this year. But their competition is no easier, with perennial powers Damascus, Seneca Valley, Clarksburg and Linganore (Frederick County) looming in the West Region.

"[Montgomery 3A] is the toughest division in the state," Mencarini said. "The thing about our region is that it includes Frederick County teams like Linganore, who is probably the favorite to win in it all, and Tuscarora."

However…

"I guarantee we will be a group of successful, good, tough, hard-ass football players."

Quince Orchard

Head coach: Dave Mencarini, 6th year (52-9 record)

League: Montgomery 3A

Last year's record: 10-2

Last playoff appearance: 2008 (7th)

Last state title: 2007 (2nd)

Players to watch: RB Ben Sasu, DB Kevin Adams, WR Karim Jones, S/WR Mitch Carney

2008 results

Sept. 8 — Wootton (W), 26-21

Sept. 12 — Churchill (W), 25-6

Sept. 19 — Damascus (W), 35-3

Sept. 26 — Magruder (W), 35-14

Oct. 3 — Gaithersburg (W), 35-0

Oct. 10 — Whitman (W), 47-6

Oct. 18 — Sherwood (L), 14-6

Oct. 24 — Walter Johnson (W), 42-6

Oct. 31 — Northwest (W), 28-14

Nov. 7 — Richard Montgomery (W), 55-14

Nov. 14 — Wootton (W), 36-0

Nov. 28 — Sherwood (L), 31-10

2009 schedule

Sept. 4 — Kennedy, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 11 — at Damascus, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 17 — at Whitman, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 — Northwest, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 2 — at Northwood, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 9. — at Clarksburg, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 16 — Einstein, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 23 — Seneca Valley, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 30 — at Blake, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 6 — Sherwood, 6:30 p.m.