Coach: Mike Hathaway (ninth year)

Last year’s record: 12-0, Class B champions

Returning players: Seniors — Max Cloutier (C/NG), James Morin (T/DT), Jesse Pelletier (G/DT), Zach Frost (G/DE), Jason Fisher (IR/LB), Lucas Witham (SE/S), Christian McBreiarty (TE/CB); Juniors — Jordan Hersom (QB/S), Jake Ouellette (TB/LB).

Key losses: Josh Strickland (RB), Eric Theiss (QB), Matt Pellerin (T/DT), Mat Porter (T/DT), Luke Wiley (G/DT), Cam Griffin (SE/S), Jon Letourneau (IR/CB), Buck Bochtler (TE/DE), Ryan Labbe (SE), Mitch Cobb (G/LB), Nick Urquhart (TE/LB), Isaiah Wright (IR).

Promising newcomers: Seniors — Devin Long (IR), Dylan Moore (SE/DE), Kurtis Brown (SE/CB), Kevin Theiss (SE); Juniors — Ian Durgin (IR/CB), Jake Posik (T), Jack Griffin (TE/DE); Sophomore — Devin McMahan (T), Josh Bunker (TE).

Outlook: 2009 was a dream season for the Hornets, who celebrated their third undefeated Class B championship campaign in the last 15 years. For most schools, following that by bidding farewell to such a talented senior class would be a nightmare. Don’t shed any tears for Leavitt. Hersom, whose last name is a fixture in Maine high school football, would have been the starting QB for most other teams in Class B last year. Witham is a top-notch receiver. Frost and Pelletier will join holdovers Cloutier and Morin and bring quickness to a retooled offensive line. Ouellette was the team’s leading tackler a year ago. They’re not the overwhelming favorite of a year ago, but the Hornets are capable of a repeat.

Coach’s comment: “I’ve always said you’re the champs until somebody beats you in the playoffs. I’m not going to change my tune now.” — Coach Mike Hathaway

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