By STEVE RUMAN

August 25, 2013 at 12:00a.m.

NILES

Niles McKinley High coach Brian Shaner enjoyed historic success last year during his first season with the Red Dragons.

Niles’ second-place finish in Division III, Region 9 was the school’s highest-ever ranking in the computer polls. An 8-2 regular-season record also helped the program secure its first home playoff game.

Prior to 2012, no first-year Niles coach had ever led the Dragons into the postseason.

But staying on top is always tougher than getting there.

“We know we have our work cut out for us this year,” Shaner said. “Because of last year, we have a huge bull’s-eye on our back. We also have a lot of inexperience, especially on offense.”

OFFENSE

A year ago, Stefan Yuhas directed the Red Dragons’ offense. The senior became the first quarterback in school history to both rush and throw for more than 1,000 yards in a single season.

With Yuhas lost to graduation, the Dragons will turn to Kyle Paden. Though he is a senior, Paden has no varsity experience as a signal-caller.

Shaner describes Paden as “your more traditional quarterback.” He won’t run the ball nearly as often as Yuhas did.

Paden should benefit from a talented, experienced receiving corps. The Red Dragons return Marcus Hill (34 catches) and Chris Parry (20 catches, 367 yards, 7 touchdowns).

When Paden isn’t throwing the ball, he will be handing it off to what Shaner calls “a running back corps by committee.” Leading the pack will be John Cicero, who started eight games as a junior.

Whether the Dragons run or pass, the skilled players will be protected by an offensive line which will be anchored by senior tackle Josh Krok (6-foot-9, 300 pounds). The West Virginia commit was a first-team All-AAC American pick in 2012.

DEFENSE

Nick Lardis and Matt Binion led the team in sacks last year and both return to anchor the defensive line.

Senior all-conference selection Nick Sanchez led the Red Dragons with 90 tackles last year. Sanchez and letterman A.J. Hillier will provide experience at linebacker.

Because most of Niles’ receivers also play on defense, the secondary is skilled and deep. Parry (nine interceptions last year), Justin Lopes, Hill and Jimmy Mullen will all roam the defensive backfield.

SPECIAL TEAMS

“Last year, our main weakness was our kickoffs, and our kickoff coverage,” Shaner said. “We simply have to improve our special teams if we’re going to reach our expectations.”

Junior Zach Adkins, who evolved into a reliable field goal kicker in 2012. Parry and Cicero will both likely be called upon to kick off and punt.

OUTLOOK

If Niles is going to enjoy another winning season, it will have to produce successful results at home.

Last year, Niles was 4-0 on the road, including victories over perennial AAC powerhouses Howland, Canfield and Poland. But the Red Dragons were just 4-3 at home.

“Those teams we beat on the road last year, they are all loaded with talent, and they’re all coming to our place looking for payback,” Shaner said.

“We need to play inspired football.”

Perhaps the inspiration will stem from a new and improved home field. During the offseason, Bo Rein Stadium received a facelift. Most notably, synthetic turf was installed, giving Niles an artificial playing surface for the first time in its 116-year football history.

“The pieces are in place, and I’d put the talent and work ethic of Niles kids up against any in the Valley,” Shaner said. “We’re excited to get going with the 2013 season.”