Junior running back Corey Clement returns to lead the Bulldogs offense.
Clement rushed for 1,205 yards as a sophomore, including scoring the game-winning touchdown, a 17-yard run, in the Bulldogs' emotional double-overtime victory over Pennsville in a South Jersey Group 1 semifinal.
Clement will be counted on to help his team get off to a fast start as Glassboro opens the season at West Jersey Diamond Division rival Penns Grove.
Penns Grove, led by junior quarterback Nick Elmer, is coming off an 8-1 campaign in which it outscored opponents, 434-26. The team will be especially hungry after being banned from last year's postseason because of a brawl that took place during a 62-0 win over Salem.
"It's a lot of pressure," Maccarone said about starting the season against Penns Grove. "But, as a coach, I'm up to it, and I know my players will be ready to go."
Pennsville lost nine offensive starters and seven defensive starters from a year ago but should be favored to repeat as West Jersey Classic Division champion.
"Experience is an issue for us this year," Pennsville coach Ryan Wood said. "We have a lot of great players, especially in the skill positions. We'll have to gain experience in a hurry, but we feel like we have the pieces to make a run at this thing."
Wood said he's especially excited about the new starting quarterback, sophomore Dylan Cummings. Cummings started three games as a freshman, and connected on a 99-yard touchdown on his first varsity pass.
"He's a little bit bigger now," Wood said. "And he's looking good. It's his show this year."
Pitman returns an experienced team, including senior quarterback Ian MacCorkle, that should compete with Pennsville in the Classic Division.
Contact Chris Melchiorre at rallysports@phillynews.com.
