Some tweaking is necessary, but MHS is a deep and talented side, capable of being successful this season.

"After watching the guys today, we are definitely developing at the pace, or even faster, than I thought we would after a week," Weber said Monday. "And that’s with giving most of the guys who are returning some time off last week when camp opened. As a coach, you can only be encouraged by results like that."

A young squad last year, Montclair zoomed out of the gates and finished at 18-3-1. Losses in the county and sectional semis, however, left MHS feeling empty at the end of the season.

"I think we surprised ourselves last season, and maybe we didn’t have the confidence when we got into the big games," senior captain Trent Murray said. "This year, if we work hard, there is no reason we can’t move past where we reached last year."

Joining Murray as a captain is senior goaltender Adam Purdy. Weber, in his 23rd year, has only had a pair of two-year captains in Cameron Hartsfield and Murray, and no goaltender had been a captain until this year.

"Goalies are usually off to the side and doing their own thing while practicing and preparing for a match, so it isn’t a position I think of first for captain," said Weber. "That’s not the story with Adam. He’s a great leader and goalie.

"With Trent, he’s been up with me for four years and this is his second year taking control of the guys. He’s grown even more as a leader this year, no question."

Murray will move to sweeper this season as the last line of defense before Purdy, a three-year starter.

Much of Weber’s overall optimism stems from the fact that most of his returning charges can play all over the field, allowing him to devise a game plan tailored to each opponent.

Juniors George Steuart and Jay Duffy return as two of MHS’ most versatile players. Steuart has worked out as a defensive central midfielder in camp, and Duffy, who is likely the best three-sport athlete currently at Montclair High, brings some toughness over from ice hockey and lacrosse. He’s been wide in the back third but can also move up to striker.

Julian Riker, an 11th- grader, is an adept midfielder who reads the middle third very well.

"I don’t know if I’ve coached anyone better at winning tackles and having a sense for where the ball is going to be than Julian," Weber said. "He’s also filled out this year which is only going to make him better."

Seniors Jakeem Johnson and Diego Persico each notched 17 goals as strikers last season, and Weber has challenged the pair to tally 40 goals collectively this year.

"They don’t have to score 20 each, but we need them to find 40 goals. Hopefully they come in big games," Weber told The Times. "Diego can hit a ball well from distance and Jakeem is a flat-out sniper, so their different dynamics will create headaches for our opponents."

Senior Noah Fishman is Weber’s most versatile player and most experienced at playing all over the field. He’s worked out in the backfield; however, he will also be up front. Weber said that it doesn’t matter where he plays, he is confident Fishman will produce.

Sophomores Kevin McKenna and Ethan Farris’ work ethic and vision have impressed their coach. Weber stated they will likely be on separate wings.

Senior Jordan Hirschhorn and sophomores Will Trevenen and Matt Stith, who is recovering from a broken leg, will back up Purdy.

Trevenen and Stith will also develop while playing for the Mounties’ JV squad.

Montclair faces Elizabeth on Tuesday in a scrimmage before another workout next Thursday at Scotch Plains. MHS’ final scrimmage takes place on Sept. 8 against Roxbury at home. The Mounties open the regular season against Paramus Catholic on Friday, Sept. 12, at 4 p.m. on Fortunato Field.

"We are really putting the puzzle together well," Weber said. "The guys came in ready to go, and that’s helping us do a lot more sooner than in the past.

"I think that will show when it really matters most."