Coach: Jim Hersom (first year)

Last year’s record: 1-7

Returning players: Seniors — Josh Greenleaf (RB/DB), Cameron Quintal (G/LB), Aaron Chapman (TE/LB), Pat Dumas (G/DE); Junior — Tyler Hicks (G/LB).

Key losses: Josh Bagdon (TE/DE), Colbey Bowen (G/OLB), Roman Latno (QB/OLB), John Greenleaf (HB/S).

Promising newcomers: Sophomores — Carson Hodsdon (QB), Adam Dumas (RB/DB).

Outlook: A family name synonymous with Maine high school football takes over at Gray-NG. Former Livermore Falls and Edward Little head coach Hersom inherits a young program that has struggled to get off the ground in Western Class B. G-NG has 35 players but still lacks depth and experience, so good health is a must if the Patriots are going to improve from start to finish. Greenleaf and Dumas should give the running game a nice one-two punch. Hersom’s main concern is shoring up a defense that surrendered too many points a year ago. Hicks and Chapman will headline that effort at linebacker.

Coach’s comment: “We have to hope and pray that nobody gets hurt. We only have four juniors, so if any of those frontline players are out, we have to turn to freshmen.” — Coach Jim Hersom