By Steve Ruman

sports@vindy.com

NILES

Three short years ago, Niles was a playoff qualifier and with numbers in the program growing, it appeared that the future was bright.

But the Red Dragons took a step backward in 2013 with a 5-5 mark, then the bottom fell out a year ago with a 1-9 finish.

Niles failed to win a home game in ’14. and its defense surrendered a school-record 37.3 points per game.

“We were such a young team last year, that at times it truly was men against boys,” said Niles coach Brian Shaner. “There were times when we knew we were outmatched. This year, we hope that all of those growing pains pay off.

“We have every reason to believe that we can have a very productive season. The parts are in place.”

OFFENSE

Shaner loves running a fast-paced offense, and the parts are in place to do just that.

“From a skilled position standpoint, this might be the most speed we’ve had at Niles since I’ve been here,” Shaner said. “Our receiving corps and backs are going to be lightning fast, and they have experience.”

Marlon Pearson (16 receptions, 285 yards), Jasson Faison and Garrett Pitts, along with senior Rich Limongi — who missed the 2014 season with an injury — will supply plenty of depth at the wideout position. The Red Dragons are short on experience at running back, but they have plenty of speedsters (Steven Mintz, Richard Palmer, Skylar Major and Jimmy Vaughn).

Junior Tyler Srbinovich has lettered since he was a freshman. He and Kevin Dubaj will give the Dragons experience at quarterback.

The Red Dragons should be strong on the line, with four players having at least two years of varsity experience.

DEFENSE

The same group that will provide firepower on offense will give the Dragons speed and depth in the defensive backfield. Srbinovich (73 tackles), Palmer (36 tackles, three sacks), Mintz (38 tackles) and David Palm (35 tackles) will look to turn things around defensively for the Dragons following back-to-back subpar years.

“You can’t coach experience, you’re just thankful when you have it,” Shaner said.

Shaner describes the defensive line as “talented but not deep,” and said it is crucial that Niles stays injury-free.

“We have the players on the line, we just don’t have a lot of them,” Shaner said. “If we can stay healthy up front, we’ll have a strong nucleus.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

“This is our biggest concern heading into the season,” Shaner said of his special teams unit. “We have good return guys. Right now we’re searching for a punter and kicker. We have a few guys over from soccer, but there’s a learning period, a time where you have to get acclimated to football, and we’re not quite there yet.”

OUTLOOK

With 18 seniors and 21 lettermen, there is reason to believe Niles can turn the corner this fall. The youth movement which began two years ago should begin to pay off.

“With experience comes confidence, and this group of young men believe in themselves and in what we are trying to do,” Shaner said. “Last year’s struggles could have caused this group to throw in the towel, but instead it made them extremely hungry. They have a chip on their shoulders. They have something to prove.”

Niles will compete in both the Red and Blue divisions of the All-American Conference, so their league schedule consists of nine games. The one non-league foe is the Red Dragons’ opener at Girard.