Coach: Jim Aylward (24th year)

Last year’s record: 9-2, lost in Western Class B championship

Returning players: Seniors — Matt Hosie (TB/FB/DE), Jake Theriault (TB/DB), Ryan Nicols (QB/DB), Colin Merrill (FB/MLB), Scott Nicols (OL/LB), Ryan Stickney (OL/DE), Santos Rodriguez (OL/DL).

Key losses: Ryan Glover (G/LB), Izaak Mills (RB/LB), Taylor Carey (TE/DE), Devon Hamel (OL/DL), Justin White (T/DT), Nate Nicols (OL/DL), Zak Radcliffe (QB/DB), Isaac Roberts (E/DB), Kyle Duguay (TB/OLB).

Promising newcomer: Senior — Dominic Haines (WR/QB/DB).

Outlook: The Falcons have played in 17 of the 23 Western B championship games since the school formed in 1989, including the past eight. There’s no reason to expect that tradition to change, although Mountain Valley must avoid injury and eligibility issues because the customary depth isn’t there. The 54-man roster is thin with juniors and seniors. There are plenty of playmakers left, however, including Hosie, one of two 1,000-yard rushers for the Falcons a year ago. Theriault moves from flanker to the backfield. Rodriguez and Merrill are back to anchor the defense. Haines was the starting QB at Telstar a year ago and will contribute in a variety of roles. Aylward doesn’t see an overwhelming favorite in Western B, but his team is capable of evolving into that role again.

Coach’s comment: “We have to create our own depth with about 13 kids. we don’t have wave after wave like we have in the past.” — Coach JIm Aylward