Ravenscroft football
While other Ravens might grab bigger headlines with this year, Ravenscroft lineman Monroe Brown will play a pivotal role in any success the squad achieves this season.
Ravens 'revamp' for 2009
There's no denying the success of last year's Ravenscroft football team: a 10-3 record, a spot in the NCISAA state championship playoffs and a handful of Ravens heading off to college programs.
The 2008 Ravens decimated opponents with current Naval Academy player Hayden Maples leading a multi-dimensional offense, scoring more than scoring 39 points or more six times. The defense wasn't too shabby either, holding opponents under 14 points eight times.
Ravenscroft head football coach Ned Gonet knows the group was special.
"We had a great run last year, played good football, beat some decent teams," said Gonet, entering his 29th season as the Ravens' top coach. "We were very fortunate.
"But we lost a lot of those guys. And we have a lot of revamping to do."
Gonet could have used the terms "rebuilding" or "reloading" instead of "revamping," but his word choice was right on target.
The 2009 Ravens won't be a replica of last year. There are too many new pieces. But it's not a total overhaul either.
This off-season has been about tailoring the 2009 Ravens to be the best 2009 Ravens they can be.
"We are realistic about it — realistic compared to where we were last year," the coach said during an interview in his office last week, minutes before an afternoon practice. "All that experience, size and speed that last year's team had, this group will get with time."
The most significant change this fall is the Ravens' switch to a more ball-control oriented offense.
Sophomore Quinn Billerman receives the honor of replacing Maples, who amassed more than 1,700 total yards last year.
But where Maples played more of a "gambling" style, Gonet said, Billerman will be asked to set the offense in motion— not carry it.
"We are going back to a more of conservative running game," the coach said. "And we want to put the quarterback in a position where he can complete high-percentage passes."
Gonet lauded Billerman's improved athleticism, mechanics and arm strength entering the season, adding the former jayvee QB dedicated himself to improvement this summer.
The coach admitted he didn't know how far along Billerman was initially, but the signal-caller's performance at the team's June camp squashed any lingering worries.
Having played quarterback in the Ravens' program before, Billerman's greatest attribute is his command of the Ravenscroft offense.
"He has a great understanding of our offense," Gonet said. "He can put us in the position to win. I don't have any worries about that. But it's going to take him a while to get used to the speed of the game, and making decisions in the passing game."
Fortunately for Billerman, the Ravens' offensive line returns several starters, led by senior Monroe Brown.
"Just about every one of our positions, except offensive line was hit hard by departures," Gonet said. "That is are strength on offense right now.
We have to build around them."
Gonet doesn't dance around the fact the squad needs Brown to be at his best this fall.
"We need Monroe to have a great year on both sides of the ball," he said. "He can dominate, and we're going to need him to."
During last week's practice, Gonet worked extensively with Monroe during defensive line drills to help the senior avoid the inevitable: double teams.
Connor Gonet (44) will get plenty of carries in the Ravens' offense this fall.
In the backfield, running back Connor Gonet — also a linebacker — will see the bulk of the carries. But three or four Ravens are likely to see time at the position.
The Ravens have several options at receiver and tight end, which will be used extensively to block. "We have some good ones there," Gonet said.
Defensively, Ravenscroft starts with a solid base: senior middle linebacker Alex Spears, last year's leading tackler, returns. Behind Spears, Temple Sloan is expected to play a hybrid defensive position, and Shane Bird will be a leader in the secondary.
"During the off-season, I was really impressed with how Shane patrolled back there and made some good plays," Gonet said.
All three defensive standouts will see time on offense as well.
"We are trying not to have too many guys go both ways," Gonet said. "We will try not to do it with our offensive line, but you can't avoid that with your perimeter kids. They are going to be playing a lot of snaps."
Gonet is counting on the defense to carry the early load as the offense comes together.
With all the change on the field, the Ravens' one constant — consistency — has stayed, well, consistent.
Most of the Ravens have played at the school since seventh grade, and the terminology, systems and expectations are all the same.
"It makes transition easy," Gonet said. "We don't have to waste a lot of time, and can move quickly."
Along with assistant coaches Kevin Billerman, Jim Gibbons and Chip Hoggard, two new faces are helping maintain the tradition at Ravenscroft. This fall, former Ravens Antwan Harris and Stephon McQueen — both of the Class of 1996 —joined the program's staff.
Gonet explained the twosome's presence has been uplifting to him and the players.
"It means a lot to watch them coach," he said. "They know about our program, and they know our expectations. And it is enjoyable to have them around."
With a difficult non-conference schedule, including physical match-ups with Northern Vance, Louisburg, Franklinton and Cardinal Gibbons, the Ravens will be well-tested come league action.
Regardless of the challenges, Gonet expects the Ravens to dominate in the areas they can control: intensity and education.
"When we line up Friday night, we might not be the biggest, fastest, strongest team, but we want to be the most prepared," the coach said. "We win games by not making mistakes.
"We have a great tradition here, and we have always been competitive, and our kids have always had a great work ethic. It won't change this year."
Ravenscroft opens its season hosting Northern Vance Friday, Aug. 21, at 7:30 p.m.
