Coach: Gary Parlin (21st year)

Class: Eastern B

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

Returning letter-winners: Seniors — Colin Richards (T/DT), Connor Farrington (G/LB), Tyler Sennick (G), Cam Abbott (WR/QB/DB), Nate Backus (RB/WR/KR), Andrew Pratt (QB/WR), Kindle Bonsall (RB), Dustin Richards (DE), Brian Durrell (DE); Juniors — J.T. Williams (LB), Anthony Franchetti (C/K).

Key losses: Jordan Whitney (QB/FS), Chad Luker (slot/LB), Zak Kendall (TE/DE), Bradley Jackson (RB/LB), Eli Luker (T/DT), Drew Blanchet (C), Nick Hyde (WR/LB), Chris Wells (DT).

Promising newcomers: Junior — Cody Vining (T); Sophomores — Nate Pratt-Holt (CB/IR), Alex Gilbert (RB).

Season outlook: It’s the same class but a step back up in competition for the Cougars, who get to renew acquaintances with many of their old rivals from the glory days of the Pine Tree Conference after the MPA reclassification. And while it’s true that the 2012 team of a lifetime would have been a nice one to have around for that change, Mt. Blue welcomes back ample talent with legitimate hopes of another run deep into November. Pratt and Abbott are in a battle to replace the sensational Whitney. Parlin said that both may line up behind center, depending upon the situation, and in either case each is proven as a wide receiver. All-conference linemen Farrington, Richards and Sennick will give the Cougars’ diverse offense plenty of time and space to function. Backus may emerge as the most dangerous player in the league: He scored 80-yard TDs both rushing and receiving in the Cougars’ first scrimmage. Home dates with Hampden and 2012 Eastern Class A champion Lawrence will say a mouthful about Mt. Blue’s aspirations of a title defense right off the bat.

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