New-look Falcons

Mountain Valley High School’s hopes of a fifth Western Class B championship in seven years may hinge upon the development of what is essentially an all-new offensive line.

At the so-called skill positions, though, summer was kind to the Falcons.

Cam Kaubris, limited to two starts at quarterback and spot defensive duty last year, returns at full strength for his senior season.

Kaubris, who called the signals during Mountain Valley’s undefeated championship season in 2008, suffered a separation in his throwing shoulder while making a tackle in an exhibition game last summer.

“The shoulder feels great and I’m ready to go,” Kaubris said. “It was awful having to stand there and watch most of last year.”

Mountain Valley also welcomes back Taylor Bradley.

Impressive as a sophomore understudy to 2008 Fitzpatrick Trophy finalist Justin Staires, Bradley transferred to Skowhegan as a junior. He was a starter in Skowhegan’s balanced double-wing attack.

“I think he left basically the day before practice started last year, and we found out late this offseason that we was coming back,” Kaubris said. “He’ll make a big difference for us.”

Injury report

Knee injuries, new and old, always take up a wealth of space in the pre-season scouting report.

On the good side, Winthrop gains senior halfback Derek Pamphrey after a mostly lost junior season.

“He got hit in our scrimmage against Gray-New Gloucester and was done for (last) year,” Winthrop coach Joel Stoneton. “He’ll be a big part of our offense again.”

The news isn’t as good at Dirigo, where Bryan Blackman is on crutches and is out for at least the first month after suffering an Achilles injury this summer.

“It probably means I’ll get a lot more carries,” said Dirigo senior Spencer Ross.

Mountain Valley running back Tyler Mason is out the first two weeks after offseason knee surgery.