Training camp 101: Holy Spirit

Coach: A.J. Russo (13-9 entering third season).

Last season: 9-3, 4-0 in WJFL United Division, made Non-Public 2 state final.

Last five seasons: 9-3, 4-6, 5-7, 11-1, 8-4.

Schedule:

9/8: Middle Twp.

9/15: St. Joseph

9/22: at Lower Cape May

9/29: Delsea

10/6: Pleasantville

10/13: at St. Augustine

10/20: at Buena

10/27: Camden Catholic

11/23: at Atlantic City

Outlook: The Spartans pushed back into prominence last season after two relatively down years and now look to take another step forward. The program got a big boost with additions both on the roster and in the coaching staff. The return of former head coach Chalie Roman, who spent the previous five seasons as an assistant at St. Augustine Prep, strengthened the staff and continued the program's deep connection to its rich history. The big news on the field will be the addition of senior QB Josh Zamot (6-0, 190), a transfer from St. Augustine. Zamot led the Hermits to a 9-1 record last season, passing for 1,158 yards and 15 TDs and running for 548 yards and 9 TDs. The Spartans return several key veterans including senior WR/DB Lee Dawson (5-9, 195), senior OL/DL Dimitris Pali (6-0, 260), senior OL/DL Owen Kramer (5-11, 210), senior WR Dan Tarsitano (6-0, 180) and senior TE Joe Marczyk (6-3, 190). There's lot of talent in the sophomore class and some potential impact transfers besides Zamot in junior WR George Ramp (6-3, 190) and junior LB Azim Baker-Coley (5-10, 220), who will sit out the first 30 days under NJSIAA eligibility rulers.

Postseason prospects: The Spartans are an annual contender for a state title and this season is no different. Non-Public 2 looks to be a battle between Holy Spirit, St. Joseph and defending champion Mater Dei, which beat Holy Spirit 26-20 on a hook-and-lateral for a touchdown on the last play of the state championship game last season. Holy Spirit's Sept. 15 home game vs. St. Joseph will have a major impact on NP 2 playoff seeding.

Schedule analysis: There might not be a Top 10-15 team with a less demanding division schedule than Holy Spirit, given that the WJFL United has just five teams and that three of them — Middle Township, Lower Cape May and Pleasantville — have struggled a bit in recent seasons. Holy Spirit has a tough non-division slate, with five games against challenging foes, including annual Thanksgiving rival Atlantic City, a Group 5 program. Holy Spirit plays old CAL non-public rivals St. Joseph and St. Augustine as well as perennial powers Delsea and Camden Catholic. The St. Joseph game will be loaded with playoff implications and always seems weighed with the added significance of the off-the-field battles for many of the same eighth-grade student athletes. And the St. Augustine game will carry extra interest as well, given that Roman and Zamot were on the Hermits' sideline last season. "I can't wait for that one," Zamot said of playing against his old team. "We're already talking about it."

Player to watch: Zamot is one of the most dynamic two-way QBs in the state. He will be eligible right away, since he moved from Millville to Buena. Under NJSIAA rules, an athlete who transfers but changers address is not required to sit out 30 days. Zamot excelled at some off-season showcase events and has drawn recruiting interest as a QB from programs such as New Hampshire, Stonybrook, Bryant and Elon. He is a top student who hopes to become a surgeon. He has quickly developed into one of the Spartans' leaders. "From the first day, they accepted me as family," Zamot said. "I love it here."

Last word: "Losing is unacceptable," Pali said. "Our goal is 12-0."