Maybe there is some truth to the ol' sports axiom that a team is only as good as its last game.

FILE PHOTO Spotswood High School's John Hamann brings down an opposing player during game action from last season. The Chargers, under second-year head coach Andy Cammarano, open their 2008 season against Dunellen on Saturday. Or, in the case of the 2007 Spotswood High School football team, its last two games.

The Chargers lost their first eight games a year ago, but then won their final two contests against Kearny and Point Beach to finish 2-8.

With 13 letter winners returning from that team, head coach Andy Cammarano hopes his improved team rides that momentum into the 2008 season, which begins on Saturday at Dunellen.

"Winning those last two games really helped our offseason. It gave us a little steam going in," Cammarano, now in his second season as head coach after spending six years as an assistant at Shore Regional High School, said. "Everyone felt excited to get into the weight room."

In fact, Cammarano reported 90 percent attendance among juniors and seniors in the weight room.

Graduation did claim a number of skill-position players from last season, but the sophomores and juniors who were forced into varsity action quicker than expected gained valuable experience that should help this fall.

"We have 17 seniors this year and the kids coming back gained experience last year because we had to throw them into the fire," Cammarano noted. "But with a full offseason of weight lifting, in terms of practice and preparation, we're way ahead of where we were last year."

Some of the reason for that can be attributed to the leadership provided by senior co-captains and two-way starters John Hamann and Jon Cuccio. The 6- foot, 225-pound Hamann, an All-GMC Blue Division pick a year ago, starts at offensive guard and defensive end, while Cuccio, a 5-10, 180-pound fullback and outside linebacker, received honorable mention.

"Right now, Cuccio is probably our feature back," his coach said.

Three more key senior returnees who play on both sides of the ball are A.J. Knibbs (6-2, 205) at wide receiver and free safety, Alex Sharoykin (6-0, 180) at running back and outside linebacker, and Dan Keller (6-0, 190) at offensive guard and defensive end.

"A.J. Knibbs was hurt and played only five games last year," Cammarano pointed out. "But before he got hurt he had 13 catches and four touchdowns in only three games. He also went to the Blue Chips Combine for Rivals.com as an invitee.

"He's really an X-factor for us because people don't know about his ability. We think he's going to make a big splash."

He feels the same way about Sharoykin.

"Alex came on at midseason and finished with over 400 yards rushing even though he missed the start of the season," Cammarano said.

The key to Spotswood's success this season, however, could be in the hands of someone who wasn't even on the varsity roster a year ago. Sean Weeks, the starting quarterback on last year's freshmen football team, will take over the reigns of the offense this season.

But Cammarano doesn't expect the 5- 11, 170-pound sophomore to get rattled easy.

"In the spring, he was the starting catcher on the varsity baseball team as a freshman and did a good job," the SHS coach said. "Then he came to football camp and rose to the occasion. He makes good decisions and he's real smooth for his age.

"We spent all summer throwing with him and getting him up to speed with everything. Just to compare, last year we didn't score an offensive touchdown in the preseason. This preseason we've scored 10."

Another new varsity player who will start is Mike Taveras, a 6-4, 280-pound junior who will start at right tackle on both lines.

"It's his first year of varsity football, but he's done a great job so far," Cammarano said.

Meanwhile, the left tackle both ways is Yousef Aitmoussa, a 5-8, 220-pound senior who did start last season.

"He's our emotional leader on the line," Cammarano said. "He's really active and high energy."

Two more juniors expected to contribute are Mark Calogera, a 5-10, 245- pound defensive tackle and offensive guard who lettered as a sophomore, and Cody Leonard, a 5-11, 195-pound tight end and inside linebacker, who has broken into the starting lineup.

"He's very athletic and active in the middle," Cammarano said. "He's also our kicker."

Other returning letter winners for the Chargers are seniors Jason Bonafide (5- 9, 165) at wide receiver and defensive back, Jake Skarzynski (6-2, 180) at offensive tackle and inside linebacker, and Bryan Smith at running back and outside linebacker, and juniors Nick Emens (5-8, 160) also at running back and outside linebacker, Mike Liming (6-0, 180) at tight end and inside linebacker, and Rob Santucci (6-0, 180) at fullback and outside linebacker.

"Our first goal is to win our first game," said Cammarano, whose team plays its home opener Sept. 27 against division rival Carteret. "From there they want to have a winning record, and our ultimate goal is they want to win the Blue Division."