Coach: Ted Tibbetts (fifth year)

Conference: South Class: C

Last year’s record: 3-6, lost in Class C West quarterfinals

Returning players: Seniors — Cody Kalinka (G/DT); Patrick Jacques (QB/DB), Connor Greenleaf (G/OLB), Alex Thibault (C/MLB), John Fossett (SE/DE), Zach Hatch (T/DT); Juniors — Andrew Demers (slot/MLB), Caleb Hodgkin (T/DE).

Key losses: Nick Cote (slot/DB), Will Bernier (slot), Adam Mocciola (QB/DB), Robbie Porter (FB), Tony Benedict (T/DT).

Promising newcomers: Senior — Yvon Desmarais (slot); Junior — Quin Callahan (S); Sophomores — Kenyon Ray (RB/DB), Aaron Paradis (RB/DB).

Season outlook: Poland started 2-1 before losing four consecutive games to the heavy hitters of Class C South a year ago. The Knights hope that 13 seniors will benefit from that experience and a dedicated offseason and make a long-awaited move toward the top of the heap. Four starters, including the 300-pound Kalinka, return up front. Jacques has experience at QB in the Knights’ flex offense, which will continue to use option and misdirection to keep defenses on their toes. Fossett is a big hitter defensively with good hands when Poland has the ball. The backs are young but explosive. The schedule is manageable. Leavitt leaves the division and is replaced by Fryeburg. Poland doesn’t play Wells in the regular season, either. The first winning season in school history is within reach if the Knights minimize their turnovers in close games.

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