"We'll still run the spread and go out of an 'I' formation and we've got to get the ball in Dylan's hands," said second-year coach Chris Milmoe. "We want to get him the ball in the open space with screens and short passes."
At other skill positions, however, there are questions to be answered.
Junior Jamie Peterson (5-10, 170) is the likely successor at quarterback as he moves up from junior varsity. And two sophomores -- Emmett Orfan and Avery Wilmore -- are top candidates at wide receiver. The speedy Wilmore (6-2, 195) is a transfer from Bullis School.
"A lot of questions ... We're green at receiver," said Milmoe.
Tackles Joe Perri (6-3, 220) and Mo Townes (6-3, 250) will anchor the offensive line.
Even though Saint James had a winning record, there were times the Saints defense was ransacked by opponents, especially in the more than 500-yard barrage by Randolph Macon Academy.
"After that game, we switched back to a 4-3 defense and that's how we'll go this year," said Milmoe. "We play some zone and use some blitz packages."
Milmoe is excited about his pair of ends -- Perri and Will Smith, a 6-7, 220-pound senior. Perri had nine sacks last year.
"They are the strongest part of our defense," Milmoe said. "We'll have some other spots to tighten up."
The Saints' goal is to go 3-1 in the Mid-Atlantic Conference, according to Milmoe, but the overall goal is to be at least 6-3 this season.
"I think it's realistic," he said. "I feel good about the work that has been done in the offseason by those that live in the area."
Milmoe said perennial MAC favorite Flint Hill graduated about 24 players but still has about 60 in camp.
"Bishop Walsh, Maryland School for Deaf, Potomac ... those are big games this year," he said.
Click here for Saint James football roster and schedule.
