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In leading the Rams (7-3 in 2006) to their first winning season in nine years last year, Maradei set a high bar for commitment and dedication. It’s what helped win more games. But some players weren’t willing to put forth that time and effort. And they were left off the roster this year, leaving numbers down, but quality up.

Rockville may have lost basically all of its statistical leaders to graduation last year — quarterback Joe York threw for 1,468 yards and 16 touchdowns, running back Muhammad Ferguson scored 17 touchdowns on 1,046 rushing yards and Kevin McTighe caught 32 catches for 645 yards and nine touchdowns. But the Rams aren’t expecting a letdown.

At the start of 2006, no one expected Rockville to be in contention for a playoff spot (which it narrowly missed) — not even the Rams themselves. But now that they’ve seen it’s possible and have learned how to be winners, the confidence is there. And belief is half the battle.

‘‘When I came here this was not a committed football program,” Maradei said. ‘‘There were no expectations for the weight room. I set the groundwork and I think it got around school how tough it was. We had 55 out last year and only 45 on the team this year. But every kid out here is committed to making this program better. These kids are inspired and invigorated not only to be at where we were last year, but to take it to the next level.”

High-school teams’ dynamics change each year, with the constant revolving door of players graduating and new ones coming in. Though Rockville may have suffered some big graduation blows last year, this year’s team has its own strengths to rely on.

The Rams relied on a strong passing game last season, and, with junior quarterback Malcolm Robinson, will have that option again this year. But it boasts a versatile backfield, with several players capable of picking up some big yardage on the ground, including Robinson and senior running back Tarik Paul, who transferred in this year from El Paso, Texas.

Robinson is a rookie quarterback, and playing under the lights might be overwhelming at first. But he’s an intense competitor and Maradei expects him to relish the opportunity to lead Rockville to its second consecutive winning season after a nine-year drought. Returnees, seniors Jeremy Shumway, who caught 12 passes for 245 yards and two touchdowns last season, and center Matt Schwartzback, should provide some nice leadership as well.

‘‘We do have kids who can catch and run this year, but I think we’ll have more dimension in the backfield with Malcolm and Tarik,” Maradei said. ‘‘I think we’ll have a little more variety there. Malcolm is different from Joe York. Joe was serious, but kind of a jokester. Malcolm is a real fiery spirit. And I think the kids have responded.”

The Rams tasted success in 2006 for the first time in nearly a decade and liked it. They’re looking for more of the same this fall.

Ram shack

Head coach: Mark Maradei, 2nd year (7-3)

League affiliation: Montgomery 2A⁄1A

Last year’s record: 7-3

Last state playoff appearance: 1997 (1st)

Last state title: None

Players to watch: QB Malcolm Robinson, RB Tarik Paul, WR Jeremy Shumway, C Matt Schwartzback

2006 results

Sept. 9 — DuVal (W), 1-0 (forfeit)

Sept. 16 — Clarksburg (W), 28-7

Sept. 21 — Poolesville (W), 48-0

Sept. 29 — Einstein (L), 35-28

Oct. 9 — Cardozo (W), 48-12

Oct. 13 — Northwood (W), 36-6

Oct. 20 — Wootton (W), 49-22

Oct. 30 — Kennedy (L), 62-15

Nov. 3 — Wheaton (L), 43-12

Nov. 10 — B-CC (W), 39-27

2007 schedule

Sept. 7 — Northwood, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 — vs. Richard Montgomery (at MC-Rockville), 2 p.m.

Sept. 20 — Einstein, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 5 — Wheaton, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 12 — at Wootton, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 19 — at Clarksburg, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 26 — North Point, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 2 — Poolesville, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 9 — at Blake, 6:30 p.m.