Coach: Ted Tibbetts (first year)

Last year’s record: 2-7

Returning players: Seniors — Pat Summers (SE/CB), Christian Hanscom (HB/DB), Jake Rivard (T); Juniors — Tony Whalen (QB/CB), Tyler Sturtevant (FB/OLB).

Key losses: Conrad Labbe (FB/LB), Cam Woodford (FB/LB), Frank Benedict (OL/DL), Mike Adams (OL/DL), Connor King (TE/DE).

Promising newcomers: Senior — Matt Russell (G); Juniors — Brandon Drottar (HB), Eddie Adams (WR), Nelson Goyette (OL/DL); Sophomores — Everett Bertrand (OLB), Sam Scales (center), Sam Bridgham (OL).

Overview: Poland appeared to turn a corner in October 2010, playing some of the best football in its short history as a program and putting together a pair of impressive wins late in the season. Add the move from Class B to Class C and the christening of lights at their field, and the Knights won’t lack inspiration this fall. Tibbetts, a former Poland assistant who has coached with Maine legends John Wolfgram and Mike Landry, is excited about his team’s work ethic. Poland will be a younger team this season, and some of its best athletes will be adapting to new positions. A top-eight finish and the first-ever playoff berth would represent great progress.

Coach’s comment: “I see a real commitment to taking care of the details. In practice, the kids will say, ‘Let’s do one more.’ They want that repetition.” — Coach Ted Tibbetts