By Steve Ruman

sports@vindy.com

NILES

The good news for the Niles McKinley Red Dragons is that there were signs of improvement in 2016. Following a 3-7 finish in ‘15, the Dragons improved to 5-5, including back-to-back wins to end the season.

The bad news?

Niles was hit hard by graduation. The Dragons lost 18 seniors, including several players who earned four varsity letters. Sixth-year coach Brian Shaner must replace three-year quarterback Tyler Srbinovich, along with most of the skilled players who helped the Red Dragons average 29.7 points on offense.

But Shaner is by no means ready to proclaim 2017 as a rebuilding year.

“Our kids are excited, they are buying into everything we throw at them,” Shaner said. “We are young and overall very inexperienced, but this group is hungrier, more eager to learn and more willing to put in the work than any group I’ve been around.”

OFFENSE

A Niles offense which for the past three years centered around the arm of Srbinovich will now focus on the legs of junior Robbie Savin (905 rushing yards, 12 TDs).

“Robbie is that guy, he has the ability to be one of the most dominating running backs in our area,” Shaner said. “He’s an old-school Niles back. He’ll run up the middle and run you over, and he has the ability to break away on the outside.”

Quarterback Jordan Soda may lack varsity experience, but Shaner is more than eager to throw the senior into the fire.

“Jordan’s only drawback the past few years is that he played behind Srbinovich,” Shaner said. “In reality, he’s been varsity ready for the past couple of seasons. I think he will catch a lot of fans and opponents off-guard this year.”

Senior Alex Lawrence and junior Trent Johnson will be among Soda’s favorite targets. And with newcomers Nate Fowler and Jason Johnson joining the program, there is once again speed and depth at the wideout position.

“Teams are going to have to commit to Robbie, and when they do, that will open up our passing game,” Shaner said. “We’re excited about our potential from our skilled players.”

The offensive line was hit hard by graduation.

“We’re big up front, but we don’t have any seniors up there. We’re going to experience some growing pains,” Shaner said.

DEFENSE

Scoring points hasn’t been an issue for Niles in recent years, however keeping the opponent out of the end zone has been a major struggle.

“Right now our biggest and best asset is the fact that we have [defensive coordinator] Bud [McSuley] back for a second year,” Shaner said. “Last year these kids were learning Bud’s system. This year they understand it. They are comfortable running his system. And Bud has as good a defensive mind for this game as anyone you will find in this area.”

Linebackers Preston Turner, David Mays and Savin will anchor the defense. Turner is a three-year starter who recorded 81 tackles and three sacks last year.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Niles returns senior kicker Kevin Swegan, who will be challenged by incoming freshman Chase Sudzina.

The deep corps of receivers should also provide plenty of firepower for the return team.

“Returning kicks and punts will be one of our biggest offensive weapons this year,” Shaner said.

OUTLOOK

It’s been five years since Niles enjoyed a winning season. If the tide is going to turn for the better, the current cast of Dragons will have to grow up in a hurry. Niles opens against backyard rival Girard, then jumps right into a nine-game league schedule, starting off with longtime nemesis Poland.

“The dedication this group has displayed during the offseason is pretty remarkable,” Shaner said. “They might lack varsity experience, but they have really grown up since January.”

“These guys don’t want to hear about the loss of 18 seniors or anything like that. They have adopted a ‘no excuses’ mentality, and fully expect to be extremely competitive right out of the gate.”