Coach: Mark Harriman

Last year’s record: 1-7

Players to watch: Sr. QB Brandon Colon, Sr. T Raoul Scott, Jr. RB Shawki White, Sr. TE Ross Van Horn, Sr. DE Anthony Begon, Sr. LB Todd Wilcox, Sr. LB Ron DiGravio, Jr. LB Coleman Peeke.

What to expect: Colon is a three-year veteran at quarterback who should shatter Bates’ school records for career completions and yardage this season. He’s also working with a deep and tall group of receivers, including the 6-foot-4 Van Horn, 6-3 MacEgan Starrett and 6-7 Sean Wirth, who is the first transfer to play for Bates in Harriman’s tenure. Seven players return with offensive line experience. Begon (nine combined sacks as a sophomore and junior) and an intact line backing corps lead the defense. Mt. Blue graduate DiGravio led the Bobcats with 57 tackles last season. Bates should be vastly improved, but how that translates to actual wins is anybody’s guess. Last year was the 25th anniversary of Bates’ most recent winning season.

Coach’s comment: “We have eight starters coming back on offense, seven coming back on defense. We have a real good nucleus of people that played for us on both sides of the ball.” – Mark Harriman

Bowdoin

Coach: Dave Caputi

Last year’s record: 2-6

Players to watch: Soph. QB Oliver Kell, Sr. RB Jeff Smith, Sr. OL Rogan Donelly, Jr. RB Laurence Duggan, Sr. WR Nick Tomaino, Sr. DL Rich Hall, Jr. LB Damon Hall-Jones, Jr. LB Tyler Tennant.

What to expect: Bowdoin might have found a quarterback by accident last year in Kell, who stepped in after all three upper-class signal callers were sidelined with injuries by the fifth game last year. “In the infinite wisdom of our coaching staff, we recruited him to be a safety or a linebacker. He may be very well be the best linebacker in our program,” said Caputi, “but he will not be playing there.” Kell passed for 222 yards and hooked up with Tomaino for three touchdowns in a season-ending victory over Bates. Smith (544 yards) is a proven performer at running back, and Duggan’s emergence could give the Polar Bears a nifty one-two punch. Donelly is an all-NESCAC lineman. Bowdoin was starting four freshmen on defense at the end of last season and hopes that baptism by fire will pay dividends this fall.

Coach’s comment: “We have the best offensive line I have coached since I have been at Bowdoin.” – Dave Caputi

Colby

Coach: Ed Mestieri

Last year’s record: 2-6

Players to watch: Sr. RB Chris Bashaw, Sr. OL Brian Ward. Jr. OL Mike McKeon, Soph. OL Matt Fait, Sr. DL Mike Poplaski, Jr. LB Kevin Bird, Sr. DB Greg Enos, Jr. DB Tom Daley.

What to expect: The White Mules have averaged five wins per season the last four years, but that includes a stumble to 2-6 in 2006. Colby will rely on all-purpose tailback Chris Bashaw (379 rushing yards, 21 receptions) while grooming either senior Billy Ryan or sophomore Steve Carroll as the replacement for graduated QB Justin Smith. Poplaski, an all-NESCAC defensive lineman back in 2004, should make a major impact after sitting out last season due to an injury suffered in a preseason scrimmage. The rest of the defensive front four is back, along with three veterans in the secondary.

Coach’s comment: “We hope to rebound from a disappointing season. For us, everything begins with defense. That’s the strength of our team.” – Ed Mestieri