GRAY-NEW GLOUCESTER PATRIOTS
Coach: Mike Caiazzo (second year)
Class: 8-man Large; Region: South
Last year’s results: 1-6, reached 8-man Large South quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Isaac Ormberg (WR/RB/LB), Kobi Conant (QB/CB); Junior — Brody Tracy (TE/LB); Sophomores — Kody Tracy (WR/CB), Cole Prescott (QB/WR/CB).
Key losses: Nick Geer, Brady Castrucci, Kaine Karp.
Promising newcomers: Junior — Brayden Dobson (WR); Sophomores — Quinn Smolin (OL/DL), Noah Farynez (OL/RB), Taylor Brann (WR), Dylan Grealish (DE); Freshmen — Liam Joyce (LB/RB), Gavin McDonald (TE), Kullen Ormberg (WR).
Season outlook: The Patriots return offensive playmakers, including quarterback Kobi Conant, but must give them room to operate. “Getting our skill players the ball in space and letting them be athletes will be key to our team’s success. In order for this to happen our OL will have to improve from last year,” Mike Caiazzo said. Though Gray-NG only won one game last year, three of its six losses were by one score. The team’s goal this season is to turn those close losses into wins and improve their standing in the competitive 8-man Large South region.

SPRUCE MOUNTAIN PHOENIX
Coach: Devin Roberts (first year)
Class: 8-man Small; Region: South
Last year’s results: 0-8
Returning athletes: Seniors — Eli Moffett (OL/DL/LB), Cole Richards (OL/DL), Brandon Cooper (WR/CB); Juniors — Kolby Cotton (C/DE), Blake Simoneau (OL/DL); Sophomores — Dylan Jewett (QB/S), Owen Kelvey (RB/DB), Mason Harlow (RB/LB), Levi Richards (WR/DB).
Promising newcomers: Senior — Jaziah Lavoie (WR/DB); Junior — Jemare Spraggins (OL/DL); Sophomore — Trent Lovewell (OL/DL); Freshmen — Isaih Ayer (RB/LB), Blake Marcotte (QB/DB).
Season outlook: Spruce Mountain is a young team coming off a winless season, so 2024 will be a rebuilding year. “Creating that winning environment and getting our program on the right track is our main focus this year,” said Devin Roberts, who rejoins the coaching ranks a few years after stepping down at his alma mater, Mountain Valley. Though a learning curve is expected with a young squad and new coaching staff, Roberts said the Phoenix expect to be competitive this season. “The pride of the Phoenix is back among this young group. They are eager to work hard and have fun doing it,” Roberts said. He added that recognizing the players’ capabilities will be important, and that they must be put in “correct positions to play successfully to their strengths.” Spruce has moved down from to 8-man Small South after competing in 8-man Small North the past few seasons.

TELSTAR REBELS
Coach: Tim O’Connor (18th year)
Class: 8-man Small; Region: South
Last year’s results: 2-5
Returning athletes: Seniors — Brody Walker (QB), Hunter Winslow (RB); Juniors — Hunter Koskela (OL/C/DE), Gage Gerry (OL/DT); Sophomore — Sawyer Coffin (OL).
Key losses: Gavinn Martin (RB), Cruze Kimball (OL/DE), Wyatt Lilly (WR/CB).
Promising newcomers: Sophomore — Brennan Walker (Util.); Freshman — Bryson Walker (QB/CB).
Season outlook: The Rebels earned a postseason berth last fall but had to decline due to a lack of healthy players. The roster has increased by six players to 24, there has been a focus on preventing injuries so they can qualify for and play in the playoffs. “We’ve been working on neck strengthening-type stuff to make sure that we don’t have any concussions,” O’Connor said. “And we’ve been working on tackling techniques, blocking techniques, all the basic stuff, but we want to make sure that everybody has the techniques down so that we don’t have injuries.” Telstar’s offense should have a healthy mix of running and passing — led by second-year starting QB Brody Walker and running back Hunter Winslow — and a sizeable line that should allow them to do both. “I think that my offensive line will be fairly decent. I got some big, you know, dudes playing there,” O’Connor said. The Rebels’ roster increase is due to a large group of freshmen, and they’ll provide true depth because O’Connor said there should be several of them who will step in and play this year.