BOOTHBAY REGION

Coach: Bryan Dionne, second year

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Anders Overhaug had the first 1,000-yard rushing season in Yarmouth High history a year ago. He's back for his senior year and is a big reason the defending state champion Clippers are again among the favorites. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer

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Last year: 1-7

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Nick Deniger, Sr., G/NT; Andrew Bosio, Sr., T/DE; Linc Simmons, Jr., G/LB; Kameron Markee, Jr., FB/LB

Outlook: The Seahawks seem much more comfortable in the second year under Dionne. Practices are going more smoothly for the returning players. But the numbers are still a little low, with only 27 on the roster, and Dionne said he’d like to see more consistency on the field. Deniger, Bosio and Simmons provide a solid foundation on the line. If the Seahawks stay healthy, they have enough young talent to contend for a playoff berth.

FREEPORT

Coach: Rob Grover, fourth year

Last year: 3-5

Returning starters: 16

Impact players: James Purdy, Jr., QB/S/P; Dan Burke, Jr., FB/MLB; Morgan Kuntz, Sr., OT/DT; Jared Knighton, Sr., WB/CB; Caleb Emerson-Mains, Sr., G/DE; Jared Polly, Jr., TB/DE

Outlook: The Falcons could make a big move in the third year as a varsity program. The offensive line includes four seniors and the backfield is much deeper than in the past. Purdy is starting his third year at quarterback and has a great grasp of the offense, while Burke returns as the leading tackler (78 last year). Kuntz, at 6-foot-2, 285 pounds, is getting more than casual looks from colleges as a two-way tackle. Freeport has a good core of linebackers to lead the defense, but Grover said the Falcons have to become more aggressive. If they do that, this could be a very strong season.

LISBON

Coach: Dick Mynahan, 25th season

Last year: 9-2, lost in Western final

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Zach Splude, Sr., RB/OLB; Chase Hunter, Sr., NG; Cam Graf, Sr., WR; Ryan Riordan, Jr., QB; Jordan Torres, So., RB

Outlook: The Greyhounds may not have much experience, with only three returning seniors, and may have graduated their entire offensive line, but they’ve been in this situation before. They should still be one of the best teams in Western Class C. You know the defense is going to be strong. Torres brings speed to the backfield and Graf could be one of the best receivers in the conference. Riordan proved his worth in the playoffs when he took over for an injured starter. If the line comes along, Lisbon should once again have a long run in the playoffs. The Greyhounds also have 42 players, one of their bigger rosters in a while.

OLD ORCHARD BEACH

Coach: Dean Plante, 10th year

Last year: 2-6

Returning starters: 7

Impact players: Kyle Christiansen, Sr., OG/NG; Jason Regis, Sr., FB/LB; Austin Creswell, Sr., C/DT; Jeremy Legere, Sr., QB

Outlook: The Seagulls open with a tough stretch, playing Yarmouth, Lisbon, Dirigo and Traip — all playoff teams last year. If they’re going to make a run, they’re going to have to survive those four games and stay healthy. Health was an issue last year. They are bolstered by the return of Christiansen, Regis and Creswell, all of whom missed much of last season with knee injuries. They will provide talent and leadership. This is a team that should be much better as the season progresses.

POLAND

Coach: Ted Tibbetts, first year

Last year: 2-7 (in Western Class B)

Returning starters: 10

Impact players: Jake Rivard, Sr., T; Christian Hanscom, Sr., slot; Tyler Sturtevant, Sr., RB; Tony Whalen, Jr., QB

Outlook: A former assistant to Mike Bailey at Portland, Tibbetts is looking to get Poland’s program going forward again. He’s focusing on cutting down mistakes by stressing fundamentals. Moving down to Class C will provide a boost, but the Knights still will face some strong clubs. Rivard is regarded as the team leader in many ways. Whalen has a good understanding of the offense and could be dangerous. But Tibbetts will look for balance, with as many as seven or eight backs sharing the load. Poland also will play home games under the lights on Fridays for the first time, another boost Tibbetts hopes elicits excitement.

SACOPEE VALLEY

Coach: Chuck Hamaty, second year

Last year: 0-8

Returning starters: NA

Impact players: Ken Corvin, Sr., FB/LB; Corey Hebert, Sr., DB/HB; Tyler Lyle, Sr., T/DE; Jordan McKenzie, Sr., HB/DB; Chris Rowley, Sr., HB/LB; Weston Thayer, Sr., G/DT

Outlook: The Hawks have had consecutive 0-8 seasons and are still looking to build in their third varsity season. The numbers are still low, with only 19 on the roster, so Hamaty is looking to establish a foundation for future success, which means establishing an offseason program. The seniors should provide excellent leadership.

TRAIP ACADEMY

Coach: Ron Ross, 10th year

Last year: 6-3, lost in Western quarterfinals

Returning starters: 18

Impact players: Ben Castellano, Jr., OT/DT; Tyler Nay, Sr., RB/MLB; Cam Cavanagh, Jr., TE/DE; Danny Eddy, Jr., G/LB; Matt Clifford, Sr., QB/CB; Nic Dulac, Sr., RB/OLB; Joe Hardy, Jr., C/DT; Corey Aldecoa, Jr., RB/S; Devon Draker, Jr., RB/OLB

Outlook: After making the playoffs last year for the first time in two decades, the Rangers loom as a strong contender once again. They have a huge line, which will allow them to pound the ball on opposing defenses, and a talented backfield led by Nay, who ran for over 1,100 yards, and Aldecoa, who transferred from Freeport. Clifford is in his third season as a starter and knows the offense very well. Defensively, the Rangers have a great group of linebackers. If the team stays healthy, it will be very dangerous in the conference.

YARMOUTH

Coach: Jim Hartman, fifth year

Last year: 12-0, won Class C state championship

Returning starters: 14

Impact players: Anders Overhaug, Sr., RB/S; Carter Dorsett, Sr., TE/OLB; Dennis Erving, Sr., CB/WR; Tommy Lord, So., G/DT; Brady Neujahr, So., QB; Keith McDonald, Sr. OT/DT; Caleb Uhl, Jr., RB; Nik Pelletier, Jr. T/LB; Max Grimm, Sr., OL/LB; Bryce Snyder, K/P/S

Outlook: The Clippers might be as tough as last year. Hartman stresses fundamentals and says the program is still growing, but the Clippers are very talented. Overhaug was the school’s first 1,000-yard runner last year and comes back stronger and better. He’s also an outstanding defensive back. Dorsett was an all-state offensive tackle moving to tight end, not only to take advantage of his athleticism but because the Clippers are deep on the line. He’ll also provide excellent edge blocking on Overhaug’s sweeps. The defense is going to be strong again. Everyone will be gunning for the Clippers. If they can handle that pressure, they’ll be fine.

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