By KLINT SPILLER

kspiller@dailynews.net

Thomas More Prep-Marian football coach John Montgomery said he's excited about his team, but he's aware his team is unproven.

After graduating nine all-league athletes and bringing in a new offensive scheme, The Monarchs are an unknown quantity.

This new team will make its debut at 7 p.m. Friday against Ellinwood at Lewis Field Stadium.

"I feel confident with where our guys are, but what I told them yesterday is they have to come out and play their best game and anticipate Ellinwood will come and play their best game," Montgomery said.

The Monarchs were busy at work in the off-season preparing and learning a new balanced offense that will put more of an emphasis on power running than last season.

Montgomery said he's confident his team has a good handle on it, and they turned their attention toward Ellinwood this week.

The Ellinwood Eagles finished 2-7 and lost 24-7 to TMP in the season opener last season.

Ellinwood head coach Dusty Beam enters his second year with the squad. The Eagles run the Wing-T offense and 4-3 defense.

"Ellinwood is going to put out a solid team," Montgomery said. "This is their second year under their head coach.

"You can expect them to come back with a better knowledge of their offensive and defensive schemes, which means we are going to have to execute on a high level offensively and defensively," Montgomery added.

The Eagles return seven starters on offense and five on defense.

Senior Patrick Ringering, an all-MCAA first-team running back, defensive back and kick returner, could pose the most significant problem for the Monarchs' defense.

"He's a talented athlete and a talented young man," Montgomery said. "He's definitely going to be a focal point of their offense. We are going to have to do a great job of keeping him under wraps. That'll be a true testament of how well our defense is doing."

However, Montgomery has placed an emphasis on his players doing their jobs on offense and defense. Montgomery said if everyone does their 1/11th, they'll be fine.

"A lot of the preparation for the first week comes down to eliminating mental mistakes and executing our scheme," he said. "If we do that, we'll give ourselves an opportunity to be successful on Friday night."