Lemont football – what to watch

Jolt of offense: Finding the end zone was an issue at times for Lemont last season as the Indians were held to 15 or fewer points in four losses. This year, the squad welcomes back seven key contributors from that group while also adding senior wideout Flynn Nagel, who racked up 18 touchdowns for Marist in 2013. But the biggest change of all is Lemont going from a run-based attack to the spread formation.

Speed thrills: Similar to the offense, the Indians played a lot of underclassmen on the defense a year ago, including a couple of sophomores. With a season of experience under their belt, this group, which returns four defensive backs, should improve drastically this fall.

"Their team speed is extremely good," coach Bret Kooi said. "Without a doubt, that's our strong suit. The 11 players can all move."

Front loaded: It won't take Lemont long to see how it stacks up this fall as the 2014 schedule is extremely competitive from the outset. Four of the Indians first five opponents, including defending conference champ Bremen, made the postseason last fall while Danville missed by one victory.

"The first five are extremely tough," Kooi said. "I'd rather spread them throughout, but that's not the case."

AT A GLANCE

Class: 6A

Coach: Bret Kooi

2013 record: 3-6

Conference: South Suburban Blue, 2-4, 5th

Top returners

Jimmy Kapouros sr. WR

Nathan Palermo sr. OL

Chris Thompson jr. QB

Jamie Glista sr. WR

Robert When sr. OL

Casey O'Brien sr. OL

Dan King sr. OL

Jeremy Fejedelem jr. DB

Jacob Pack sr. DB

Matt Martenson sr. DB

Jacob McNamera sr. DB

Frank Pignone sr. LB

Jason Koepke sr. DL

John Dykstra jr. DL

Mike Gasienica sr. DL

Promsing newcomers

Flynn Nagel sr. WR

Tom Bleca sr. RB

Anthony Martin fr. RB

Shawn McPartland jr. DB

Hunter LaDuke sr. LB