Preview: Benet Academy

Benet coach Gary Goforth is no old dog - he's a well-respected, veteran football coach.

He still can learn new tricks. Whether the Redwings will execute them as quickly as he and new offensive coordinator Pat New can dish them out will determine Benet's fate in 2008.

After five years the double-wing offense has been tabled for a spread, a change due more to personnel than to a shift in coaching philosophy.

"I don't know if we have a pounding fullback, I don't know if we've got the kid that can run up the gut constantly and take a hit," Goforth said. "But we've got a good group of receivers, we've got a quarterback that can make things happen."

The receivers, some of whom saw part-time action in 2007, include Phil Schmidt, Marty Flavin, Mac Coffey, Neil Ostrander, Mike Cunningham, Pat Martino and Mike Runger. Most stand 6 feet or taller.

The quarterback is returning starter Jimmy Riley, a slinger with football smarts who got a head start on the spread formation over the summer.

On the offensive line Dan Schroeder will be a three-year starter. The early rotation tops out with Phil Dukleth at 255 pounds and John Cannova at 250.

The defense returns ends Schroeder and strong Victor Sadauskas, and is heavier on linebackers and defensive backs, boasting returnees Mike Vanchieri and Schmidt.

With the changes at Benet come a slogan Goforth hopes will translate to success: "We always tell them, 'There's no 'I' in 'Team,' but there's a 'Me' in 'Team.' You've got to do your assignment."