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During Richard Montgomery head football coach Jeremy Lott's tenure with the school, the Rockets have won a grand total of three games: Two as defensive coordinator in 2008 and one as head coach last year.

But times are a changin' in Rockville. For the first time since the days of Mike Bonavia five years ago, the Rockets have stability at the top, with the same head coach in consecutive years.

"This is the best and largest camp we've had in my three years being associated with the program," said Lott, who spent last year instilling discipline throughout the program. "It was real nice to finally have a full week of two-a-days and get a lot accomplished. The kids are young, but talented and more so productive."

During August practice, the Rockets' main objective was to adapt to life without the graduated Andre Brown and improve an anemic offense (13.9 point per game). The All-Gazette first-team athlete did a little bit of everything for Lott's squad last season, as he passed 1,876 yards and accounted for 13 touchdowns and 35 tackles.

New offensive coordinator Ryan Harrigan has made that transition seamless. He has installed a much more player-friendly and balanced scheme than under previous coordinator Vinnie Caterek's pass-happy spread attack.

"[Harrigan] has a lot of experience as player and coach," said Lott. "The balanced attack suits our personnel and he actually builds a system around our players. He's done a great job with that."

Three viable candidates have emerged to be the Rockets' primary signal caller.

Senior Brennan Karem, who Lott describes as "a very smart and traditional drop-back quarterback" is vying with the more athletic Jonathan Mensah and Corey Abraham for snaps.

"I want to try to settle on one," said Lott. "But we will definitely design packages for each of them to take advantage of their strengths."

Karem might be the best option under for Lott to form a strong supporting cast. Mensah can also provide a big target in the passing game along with Connor Pyles and speedster Thomas Bradley, who is committed to Towson University.

Running back J.P. Hoover and tight end Drew College will also contribute.

The same players will be key components on defense. Mensah and Bradley will start at cornerback while Hoover and Corey Brown return at linebacker. College will also wreck havoc from his defensive end post.

In the trenches, veterans Ty Chase and Ara Sardarbegians will guide a young offensive line.

"Everything is looking good," said Bradley. "The team and everybody is together. We can surprise people and go 7-3 for the playoffs. I want 10-0, though."

Richard Montgomery

Head coach: Jeremy Lott, 2nd year

League: Montgomery 4A East

Last year's record: 1-9

Last playoff appearance: 2005 (5th)

Last state title: 1981 (1st)

Players to watch: WR/DB Thomas Bradley, WR/DB Justin Henderson, RB/LB J.P. Hoover

2008 results

Sept. 5 — Churchill (L), 34-0

Sept. 12 — Rockville (L), 19-16

Sept. 19 — Northwest (L), 42-7

Sept. 26 — Springbrook (L), 24-6

Oct. 3 — Seneca Valley (L), 41-0

Oct. 10 — Walter Johnson (W), 38-30

Oct. 17 — Whitman (L), 25-20

Oct. 25 — Sherwood (L), 61-0

Oct. 31 — Wootton (L), 63-38

Nov. 7 — Quince Orchard (L), 55-14

2009 schedule

Sept. 4 — at Einstein, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 11 — Sherwood, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 16 — at Magruder, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 — Churchill, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 2 — at Rockville, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 9. — at Springbrook, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 16 — Paint Branch, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 23 — at Wheaton, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 30 — Blair, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 6 — Walter Johnson, 6:30 p.m.