Team at a glance

NICKNAME Rams
COLORS Red, Black and White
STADIUM 1014 S. Main St., Lombard
ENROLLMENT 2,627
CLASS 8A
COACH Dennis Lueck
2007 RECORD 1-8
CONFERENCE RECORD 0-7, 8th

TOP RETURNERS
Jack Merrithey          jr.    QB
Nick Hogan              sr.    TE/WR
Aaron Hall                sr.    RB
Spencer George      jr.    OL
Mitch George           sr.    OL
Eric Vincent             sr.    OL
Connor Flood          sr.    DL
Dan Ropinski          sr.    LB
Paris Riley               sr.    LB
Ryan Kasper           sr.    LB
Clinton Omsberg    sr.    DB

PROMISING NEWCOMERS
Lee Skinner                  jr.    WR
Larry Llyod                    jr.    LB
Mark Krueger               sr.    RB
Beldon Washington    sr.    WR

2008 schedule
Aug. 29    at Willowbrook, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 5    Oak Lawn, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 12    at Naperville North, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 19    at West Aurora, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 26    West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 3    Wheaton North, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 10    at Glenbard North, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 17    at Wheaton South, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 24    Naperville Central,    7:30 p.m.

Games to watch
Aug. 29 at Willowbrook Rams would love to turn the table after last year’s 22-13 loss
Sept. 5 vs. Oak Lawn Only opponent Rams beat last season
Sept. 26 vs. West Chicago Chance to pick up home DVC victory

New season
The Rams had their struggles last season, posting their lone victory in Week 2 against Oak Lawn. They had two losses by a touchdown or less in the DVC, but managed just over nine points a game offensively.
But that was last year and a this year’s squad brought a new attitude into the offseason. Mandatory speed work and conditioning was implemented by the team, as well as a new weightlifting reward program. They are hoping it erases any pain left from 2007.
“There’s been a renewed focus,” Lueck said. “It’s been positive and it’s carried over into practice. You don’t want what happened last year to happen again. But no one has brought that up. It’s a new year and time to move on.”

Jack of all trades
Merrithey took over the reigns of the offense last season as a sophomore and brings plenty of athleticism and skill to the table. The lefty is not very tall, but is shifty in the pocket, has speed to get out and run and can be consistent in hitting his targets.
Running a wing-T option offense, Merrithey will be able to display all those skills. He’s a competitor who likes to win and someone Lueck wants in the huddle.
“He’s a little bigger and a little stronger this year,” Lueck said of Merrithey. “He audibles now a lot better and sees the defense better. Having someone who is a calm in the storm is very important. It’s good to have emotional leaders, but it’s also good to have guys who can pull back the reigns and focus on what you need to focus on.”

Stay on the field
The Rams would like nothing more than to see Merrithey out on the field for the majority of the game, keeping the defense fresh.
The key to that is holding onto possessions and it starts up front. Spencer George, Mitch George and Vincent are all returning linemen, bringing that much-needed experience. Hall and Krueger will be the main backs heading into the season, while newcomers Skinner and Lloyd are threats out wide.
Success for the Rams will come by keeping their opponents’ offense off the field.
“The goal of our offense is to not only score, but to control the tempo of the game,” Lueck said. “We want to limit the possessions of our opponents.”

DVC power
It’s hard to argue there’s a better conference in the state than the DVC, especially after sending three teams — Naperville North, Wheaton Warrenville South and Glenbard North — to the IHSA state finals last fall.
All three of those teams will be back in the mix again this season, while Wheaton North and Naperville Central both return talent coming off a playoff season.
The key for the Rams is getting off to a quick start, beginning with a prime-time rivalry game on the road against Willowbrook, followed by Oak Lawn.
“Our conference is as good as it’s ever been, if not ever,” Lueck said. “Our focus is the first game against Willowbrook and try and go into our first conference game on a good start.”

SENIOR SAYS
Eric Vincent
What is the attitude this season? “The past is done and now it’s time to start something new. We’ve set higher goals for ourselves and guys are more dedicated.”
How do you see the season shaking out? “We’ve played in the DVC before so we know the level of experience and toughness. We have to go out and do our job and not worry about what other people say.”
What are the team’s expectations? “We expect to make the playoffs, and just what I’ve seen the first couple of days here I’m excited for the season. We want to redeem ourselves after last year.”

BY THE NUMBERS
60 Combined number of victories by Rams’ opponents in 2007, average of more than six per team

1999 Last year the Rams qualified for the playoffs and finished with a record over .500

7 Number of touchdown passes thrown by junior quarterback Jack Merrithey in 2007