ST. MARYS – Entering his fourth year as head coach at St. Marys head coach Tony DeFillipi would like to see his team take the next step toward contending in the District 9 League. Last season the Dutchmen were 3-7 overall and 1-4 in the D9 League.

"I don’t want to say that we’re rebuilding any more," DeFillipi told the DuBois Courier-Express. "I expect great things, and we expect to be there and be tough in the league.

"The while team will mold as a unit. I think you'll see 11 guys coming together to be a force against our opponents."

Leading the charge in 2002 for St. Marys will be Brandon Bennett, the returning starting quarterback. Last season Bennett was 27-for-68 for 458 yards and eight touchdowns while rushing 86 times for 331 yards and five scores.

"Brandon has improved a lot over last year," DeFillipi told the Courier-Express. "He has a lot of confidence from getting that year under his belt."

Helping Bennett out in the backfield will be running back Doug Surra who rushed 41 times for 352 yards and two touchdowns last season.

Other key returnees for the Dutchmen will be Rick Luchini, Lopaka Hoohuli and Mike Kunes.

"I'm trying to get them (the team) fundamentally sound," DeFillipi told the Courier-Express. "We're working on being faster and more agile than last season."

St. Marys opens its season at 7 p.m. Aug. 30 when it hosts Clarion.