WATERBORO — There was a lot of newness inside the Massabesic football program last year: A new coach and a new offense, which combined for a new way of thinking for three dozen high school football players.

The only thing the Mustangs hope is new this year is a new commitment to hard work and a new feeling in making the postseason.

No player on the Massabesic roster has been to the playoffs, and like the other seven teams in Western Class A, the Mustangs aim to make the postseason.

With a year under their belt in second-year head coach Jon Gallant’s system, and an increased commitment to offseason workouts, the Mustangs hope that goal is more than just a pipe dream.

“The big lesson learned is to be competitive in this league, in Class A, you got to work year round, and taking that to heart. Back when I played, you didn’t have to have guys in the weight room year round,” said Gallant. “Kids have really committed to getting better and having the right attitude. Hopefully, we see the dividends of that.”

One thing that has spurred increased offseason work is the brand of football that Gallant brought with him last year. Gone is the old triple-option offense, instead replaced by Gallant’s spread offense, which is taking over college and high school programs, and is making a dent in the professional game.

“I think it’s exciting when it’s done well. It’s like fast-break basketball,” Gallant said of his spread offense. “And hopefully we see the results that we want to see on a game night and we’re more productive offensively than we have been in the past.”

“We like his new offense a lot. We like the no-huddle style,” said senior Mike Risti, who is primarily a running back, but will see some time at tight end in certain formations.

“It is (more fun),” said senior Jesse Hall. “When you look at those college teams, and they put up 50-60 points a game, you really want to see that and be just like ”˜man, that’s what I want to do.’ You want to be able to just go up and down the field, like a machine, and that’s what we really want to be.”

Hall was the starter at quarterback last year, but he was a triple-option quarterback who found himself throwing the ball 20 times a game instead of a couple ”“ something he said was an adjustment for him.

Hall will be back to only a couple pass attempts a game, but the Mustangs will sling the ball plenty. Many of the passes will come from junior quarterback Weston Bergeron, who is stepping into the primary starting role, while Hall will play mostly running back but still take some quarterback reps.

“We have a lot of really versatile players this year, so that will help us,” said Hall.

There were growing pains with the new offense last year, but the Mustangs have been able to hit the ground running with the scheme this summer.

“It’s a lot easier. We know everything already,” said Risti. “We just have to put it all together and play.”

“We’re way ahead of the learning curve,” said Gallant. “We’re spending less time teaching the basics of it and much more time just getting quality reps.”

The players have also started to buy into Gallant’s defensive style, which he calls “an aggressive, swarming defense.” Gallant said the team played well on defense at times last year, but expects to see more consistent play this year.

Hall said the team’s motto this year is “be the change,” and the Mustangs hope that the recent change in head coach and style will help boost the team’s winning percentage. Hall said he thinks the team can also change the way opposing teams view Massabesic.

“I think we can give some teams a surprise. I don’t think we’re going to be on that many people’s radar,” Hall said.

— Staff Writer Wil Kramlich can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 323 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @WilTalkSports.

Mustangs At A Glance

Coach: Jon Gallant (second year)

Last year’s results: 1-7

Key returning players: Jesse Hall, Mike Risti, Jordan Drain, Weston Bergeron, Josh Daigle

Coach’s outlook: “A lot of learning took place last year and a lot of players got valuable experience. We are excited to see that learning and experience translate to success on the field. We hope to see the team continue to come together and continue to work towards our goals each day and as the season progresses.”

Massabesic football schedule

Sept. 5: Massabesic at Noble, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12: Biddeford at Massabesic, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19: South Portland at Massabesic, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26: Massabesic at Deering, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4: Massabesic at Thornton Academy, 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 10: Bonny Eagle at Massabesic, 7 p.m.

Oct. 1: Massabesic at Scarborough, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24: Sanford at Massabesic, 7 p.m.