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Just days into preseason practices, first-year Rockville football coach Kevin Bernot noted predictable differences between his new and old locales.

As an assistant at Sherwood for five years, player turnout was substantially larger, whereas: "There are good athletes walking the hallways here who don't play football, which just didn't happen where I was."

But considering that the Warriors won the Class 4A state championship last fall, Bernot's evaluation of the 2009 Rams is somewhat shocking.

"Believe it or not, we have about three or four or five players — and I don't want to say better — but are without a doubt as talented as some guys we coached last year," said Bernot. "We have some very good athletes, primarily at the skill positions."

Because of Rockville's depth, or lack thereof, its top-end talents will play on both sides of the ball. One notable exception, however, is one of the top returning players in the county: halfback Crusoe Gongbay.

The 180-pound junior was a revelation last year, rushing for 1,401 yards (tied for third in the county) and 18 touchdowns (second). Though limited in preseason, he will likely emerge as the offensive meal ticket once again.

"He's got a burst of speed I haven't seen in a long time," said Bernot.

But Gongbay is no solo act. He will be flanked in the backfield by two complements whose versatility makes them just as valuable. 5-foot-8, 165-pound Josue Gaitan is an excellent blocker at fullback despite his size, and will also start at strong safety.

As the wingback in the Rams' wing-T, senior Robbie Parker (6-1, 200) will also get plenty of touches on the ground and through the air, while also starting at inside linebacker. Parker — whose brother Danny is a junior tight end at Duke University — is receiving "a lot of collegiate interest," according to Bernot.

Additionally, cornerback/wide receiver Wayne Jackson (5-10, 165) might be the team's finest overall athlete.

"When I took over this program, [Northwest coach Mark] Maradei told me he thought Wayne was the best defensive back in the county," said Bernot. "As soon as seven-on-sevens started, you could see that. He's got speed, he's got an unbelievable break on the ball. … He'll be a playmaker."

Up front, the Rams have two-way starters Matt Feiller (6-3, 260) and Brandon Bryant (6-1, 205) on the offensive side, who will play defensive tackle and outside linebacker on defense, respectively. Junior Wes Robb-McGrath is a staple at center, while senior Julian Parks is the other starter at right guard.

There aren't too many question marks aside from quarterback, but the progression of junior Chris Brown could make or break the season. Filling the shoes of graduated Peter Nalle, Brown didn't even play football as a sophomore, but Bernot says he "is a big-time baseball player and has one heck of an arm."

"He's also a really smart kid," said Bernot. "He's picked up the offense really well already. But he doesn't have a lot of experience at quarterback, so you're not quite sure how everything will turn out until the season starts."

Rockville

Head coach: Kevin Bernot, 1st year

League: Montgomery 2A

Last year's record: 5-5

Last state playoff appearance: 2007 (2nd)

Last state title: None

Players to watch: RB Crusoe Gongbay, RB/LB Robbie Parker, WR/CB Wayne Jackson

2008 results

Sept. 5 — Northwood (W), 40-18

Sept. 12 — Richard Montgomery (W), 19-16

Sept. 19 — Einstein (W), 19-2

Sept. 26 — Caravel Academy (L), 35-6

Oct. 3 — Wheaton (W), 38-6

Oct. 10 — Wootton (L), 20-0

Oct. 16 — Clarksburg (L), 32-14

Oct. 24 — North Point (L), 34-14

Oct. 31 — Poolesville (W), 31-0

Nov. 7 — Blake (L), 27-22

2009 schedule

Sept. 4 — at Walter Johnson, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 11 — Poolesville, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 17 — at Northwood, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 26 — at Crossland, 2 p.m.

Oct. 2 — Richard Montgomery, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 9 — Wheaton, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 — at Northern, 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 — at Kennedy, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 30 — Leonard Hall, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 6 — Blake, 6:30 p.m.