BIDDEFORD

Coach: Scott Descoteaux, sixth year

Last year: 0-8

Returning starters: 12

Impact players: Nick Leblond, sr., QB/DB; Patrick Wilson, sr., RB/DB; Matt Cote, sr., WR/DB; Bryan Gelinas, sr., RB/LB; Ian Robinson, sr., OL/LB; Cory Collard, sr., RB/LB; Connor Morrison, sr., TE/DB

Outlook: Biddeford is confident of rebounding from last season. The Tigers feel they have talent at the skill positions and in the line. Leblond was a starter in the playoffs as a sophomore. He has a strong arm and will look to throw to a speedy group of receivers. Wilson could be a key on both sides of the ball. Several veterans are three-year starters. A key will be the development of the line.

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BONNY EAGLE

Coach: Kevin Cooper, 15th year

Last year: 5-4 (lost in quarterfinals)

Returning starters: 8

Impact players: Tyson Goodale, sr., QB/DB; Andy Martel, sr., OG/LB; Wade Mandeville, sr., OT/DT; Tyler Campobasso, sr., OG/DT; Shawn Duane, sr., TE/DE; Riley Murphy, sr., RB/LB; Tom Eppich, sr., WR/DB; Seamus Meyer, sr., WR/DB; Joe Bissonnette, jr., WR/DB

Outlook: Bonny Eagle feels it has one of the top QBs in the state in Goodale, who rushed for 19 touchdowns out of a spread offense last year. The Scots will look to develop a couple of runners. The offensive line is solid with Martel, Mandeville and Campobasso.

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BRUNSWICK

Coach: Dan Cooper, eighth year

Last year: 7-3 (lost in semifinals)

Returning starters: 6

Impact players: Brett Lancaster, sr., OT; Jared Jensen, sr., RB/CB; Kaleiga Inniss, sr., WR/DB; Adam Casey, jr., RB/DT; Nolan Robbins, sr., TE/DE; Nick Dodson, jr., OG/LB; Jacob Duffy, jr., OG/LB; Josh Thibeault, jr., OT/DT; Jason Carter, sr., QB

Outlook: The Dragons graduated 18 seniors. Talent remains, but the key is to stay healthy. If the Dragons can do that, they feel they have a shot at making the playoffs. Jensen saw action in the defensive backfield, with two interceptions. Carter is a returning starter at QB. The Dragons run the wing-T and spread things out as much as possible.

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CHEVERUS

Coach: John Wolfgram, seventh year

Last year: 12-0 (State champion)

Returning starters: 10

Impact players: Ryan Casale, sr., TE/LB; Brent Green, sr., FB/DB; Donald Goodrich, sr., HB/DE; Liam Fitzpatrick, sr., QB/DB; Jim Peabody, sr., OG/DE; Mike Flaherty, sr., HB/DB; Jackson McMann, sr., HB/DB; Noah Stebbins, jr., WR; Jake Michaud, sr., WR; Zordan Holman, so., TE/DE; Parker Doyon, sr., NG; Pat Ball, jr., C

Outlook: The Stags have a 24-game winning streak and back-to-back state titles. They have the talent to be in the hunt for another Gold Ball but will have to rebuild the defense. Goodrich scored five touchdowns in the state final and was named a Maine Sunday Telegram All-State defensive end. Green scored two touchdowns in the state final. Fitzpatrick takes over at QB, following outstanding quarterbacks the last two years in Peter Gwilym and Cam Olson. Casale returns as a key on defense.

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DEERING

Coach: Jon Gallant, second year

Last year: 7-4 (lost in semifinals)

Returning starters: 10

Impact players: Kenny Sweet, sr., RB/DB; Dom Lauture, sr., RB/DB; James Doyle, sr., TE/DE; Tyler Wiggin, sr., OG/NT; Ricardo Delgado, jr. WR; Adam Rodriguez, sr., WR/DB; Chhorda Chhorn, jr., WR

Outlook: The Rams are looking to develop a quarterback to replace the graduated Matt Flaherty. Chhorn has breakaway speed. Sweet, who has the potential to be one of the top runners in the region, stood out on defense the last two seasons.

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GORHAM

Coach: Jamal Chatman, first year

Last year: 4-4

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Matt McKenney, sr., WR/DB; DamonWallace, sr., QB; Nick Lewis, sr., LB

Outlook: The Rams have a new coach in Chatman, who coached at Greely. He likes the energy he’s seen so far. McKenney, who can play several positions, rushed for more than 1,000 yards a year ago. Wallace and Lewis gained experience last year.

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KENNEBUNK

Coach: Joe Rafferty, 34th year

Last year: 2-6

Returning starters: 12

Impact players: Tyler Elkington, jr., RB/DB; Larsen Coppinger, jr., WR/DB; Nick Emmons, jr., QB; Will Dumas, sr., RB/LB; Nicco DeLorenzo, jr., RB; Nick Bath, sr., OL/DE

Outlook: The Rams have talent at the skill positions with Emmons at QB, Coppinger at WR, and Elkington and Dumas at RB. After missing the second half of 2011 with a separated shoulder, Emmons is healthy and looking for a good season. Coppinger will be a favorite target. Depth in both lines is a concern, as it always is at one of the smaller Class A schools. Bath is the team’s top lineman but will be giving up some weight in most games. If the Rams stay healthy, they could spring a few upsets.

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MASSABESIC

Coach: John Morin, 16th year

Last year: 4-4

Returning starters: 11

Impact players: Jake Desrochers. sr., QB/LB; Casey Nava, sr., FB/DB; Josh Andrews, sr., C/DE; Mark Roussin, sr., OG/DE; Dan Welch, sr., RB/LB; Corbin Cass, sr., RB/LB; Jordan Drain, so., OT/DT

Outlook: The Mustangs are looking to make the playoffs after just missing last season. Desrochers was named second team all-SMAA (York County) at QB last season. The triple-option is in good hands with him at the helm. Nava is healthy after an injury-plagued junior season. Both players can create offense. Andrews should be one of the top linemen in the league. Drain started as a freshman. The team returns three starters up front.

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MT. ARARAT

Coach: Frank True, second year

Last year: 0-9

Returning starters: 9

Impact players: Alex Laurelez, jr., RB/DB; Joey Burr, sr., RB/LB; Ryan Moody, sr., OL/LB; Jake Liedman, sr., QB/DB; Ryan Smith, sr., RB/DB; John Dietlin, sr., OL/LB; Nick Graney, jr., TE/LB

Outlook: The Eagles feel they made progress since last season, but it may not show up in the record right away. The team has only 30 players out, so avoiding injuries will be a key. The team is well-stocked at running back, and Liedman at quarterback has experience. The Eagles have moved some players around from last season to suit the team better.

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NOBLE

Coach: Tom Daubney, first year

Last year: 1-7

Returning starters: 6

Impact players: Derek Schute, sr., TB/DB; Ethan Beaulier, sr., QB/DB; David Thibeau, sr., TE/DE; Adam Della-Piana, sr., WR/DB; Jon Badger, sr., FB/LB; L.T. Flores, sr., WB/DB; Jacob Guimont, sr., OG/LB

Outlook: The Knights have a new coach in Daubney, who has a long history of high school coaching in New Hampshire. He also coached at Boston University and Rhode Island. Noble is very young with not a lot of depth. Daubney likes the talent at the skill positions. Beaulier leads a group of good athletes who hope to start bringing the program back.

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PORTLAND

Coach: Jim Hartman, first year

Last year: 2-6

Returning starters: 18

Impact players: Nick Volger, sr., RB/DB; Kyle Reichert, sr., C/DT; Casey Mahoney, sr., TE/DE; Jayvon Pitts-Young, jr., RB/DB; Justin Zukowski, jr., RB/LB; Ryan Ruhlin, So., QB/DB; Tate Gale, sr., OG/LB; Verny Gayle, sr., RB/NG

Outlook: For the first time since the mid-1980s, the Bulldogs have a new head coach. Jim Hartman takes over for Mike Bailey, who resigned after 26 years. The Bulldogs will run out of the wing-T. Having graduated only two starters, Portland has the potential to be one of the top teams in the league, with talent in the backfield and the line. Volger, Zukowski and Pitts-Young gained valuable experience last season. Ruhlin alternated with Pitts-Young at QB last season.

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SANFORD

Coach: Mike Fallon, 18th year

Last year: 5-4 (lost in quarterfinals)

Returning starters: 12

Impact players: Alex Shain, sr., RB/LB; Cody Mooney, sr., QB/LB; Josh Schroder, Jr., FB/LB; Colby Perigo, jr. OG/LB; Chase Smith-Roberts, jr., C/DE; Jake Dexter, sr., WB/DB; Tyler Neuville, sr., OG/DE; Jed Scott, jr., OT/DT; Ethan Gouin, sr., TE/DE

Outlook: Sanford is led by Shain, who rushed for 1,361 yards and scored 19 touchdowns last season. He was a first-team All-SMAA (York County) selection. The team has three returning starters in the line in addition to Scott, who missed last year. Schroder, a standout on defense as a sophomore, looks to make a contribution on offense. Sanford had one of its largest turnouts in preseason. The team feels that it can go deep in the playoffs.

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SCARBOROUGH

Coach: Lance Johnson, third year

Last year: 3-6 (lost in quarterfinals)

Returning starters: 10

Impact players: Dillon Russo, sr., QB/DB; Merrick Madden, sr., WR/DB; Nate McLellan, sr., C/NG; Mike Pino, jr,, OT/DT; Ben Greenberg, jr., WR/DB; Dan LeClair, jr., RB/LB; Kenny Adams, jr., RB/DB; Charlie Raybine, jr., FB/LB

Outlook: The Red Storm like the progress of Russo from last year and in preseason. He has some good targets in Madden and Greenberg at wide receiver. LeClair and Adams, who missed last season with an ACL injury, will be counted on to get the tough yards. The offensive line will need to improve as the season progresses if the Red Storm hope to return to the playoffs.

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SOUTH PORTLAND

Coach: Steve Stinson, eighth year

Last year: 7-3 (lost in semifinals)

Returning starters: 8

Impact players: Ryan Ely, sr., OL/DL; Cody Munson, sr., OL/DL; Liam Rottkov, sr., OL/DL; Connor McVane, sr., TB/LB; Duncan Preston, jr., QB/DB; Joey DiBiase, jr., TB/DB; Marcus Mainit, jr., TE/LB; Matthew Stearns, so., WR/DB; Hayden Owen, so., WR/DB

Outlook: With three returning starters in the line in Ely, Munson and Rottkov, the Riots have a veteran crew to open some holes. The challenge will be replacing key players in the backfield who graduated. DiBiase started a couple games at tailback last season and looks to make his mark. Preston takes over at QB and gives the Riots a dual threat as a passer and runner. “If we improve and stay together, we have a shot at the playoffs,” said Stinson.

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THORNTON ACADEMY

Coach: Kevin Kezal, 13th year

Last year: 9-2 (lost in regional final)

Returning starters: 13

Impact players: Eric Christensen, sr., QB/DB; Dakota Tarbox, sr., WR/LB; Nick Kenney, sr., FB/LB; Bobby Begin, sr., C/LB; Connor McCrum, sr., OT/DE; Andrew Libby, jr., RB/DB; Cody Lynn, jr., TE/DB; Josh Cyr, sr., WR/DB; Quinlan O’Brien, sr., OG/DT; David LePauloue, sr., T/DT; Michael Granger, sr., OG/DT; Brandon Briggs, sr., K.

Outlook: The Golden Trojans reached the regional final, where they lost to Cheverus. With most of the team back, the Trojans are looking to win it all. The entire backfield returns, but the team lost four starters in the line who will need to be replaced. Libby rushed for 678 yards last season and caught passes for 404 yards. He scored 12 touchdowns rushing and four receiving. Kenney gained 878 yards and scored six touchdowns. Christensen, a physical presence, threw for 11 touchdowns. Like last season, Thornton will attempt to get the ball to Libby as much as possible.

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WINDHAM

Coach: Matt Perkins, 11th year

Last year: 4-4 (lost in quarterfinals)

Returning starters: 16

Impact players: Joe Francoeur, sr., OT/DT; Shawn Francoeur, sr., OL/DL; Brandon Mitchell, sr., OL/DL; Matt Aldrich, sr., OL/DL; Brad Carpentier, sr., OL/DL; Jordan Allen, sr. WR/DB; Christian Coons, sr., RB/LB; Damien Shepard, sr., QB/DB

Outlook: The Eagles believe they’re as good as any team in Western Class A, and cite their speed, depth and physicality as proof. Shepard will play quarterback after being a wide receiver/return specialist. The Eagles will look to capitalize on their speed. Coons and the Francoeur twins have started since their sophomore seasons. The offensive and defensive lines are all seniors. The Eagles have a good chance of advancing deep into the playoffs.

— Tom Chard


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