Coach: Joel Stoneton (10th year)

Class: Western D

Last year’s record: 2-6

Returning letter-winners: Seniors — Jared Hanson (QB), Zach Glazier (TB), Drew Stratton (WR), John Sullivan (DT), Dom Cognata (LB), Ethan Squires; Juniors — Mario Meucci (TE/LB), Jeremy Mihalakis (DT), Dakota Carter (WR/DB), Zach Phinney (S).

Key losses: Cam Armstrong (C/DT), Nate Cook (LB), Danny Moody (RB/LB), Zach Nadeau (G/DE).

Promising newcomers: Seniors —  D.J. McHugh (QB), Jacob Weeks (RB), Brandon Goff (WR/FS), Nate Gagne (T/DT), Cole Arsenault (C), Phil Rowe (FB/LB), Nate Gamache (DE), Brett Wilson (CB), Seth Flaherty (DE).

Season outlook: The long-anticipated merger of Winthrop and Monmouth doubled the size of Stoneton’s roster and ratcheted up expectations. Monmouth’s club team dominated its JV schedule, so there is varsity-caliber talent arriving, especially along the line of scrimmage. Hanson, the Ramblers’ signal-caller the last two years, and the strong-armed McHugh from Monmouth will split QB duties, with the nod going to whoever best fits the game plan for that week. Both are being developed for other positions to stay on the field when not under center. Whoever takes the snaps will have plenty of weapons, with Glazier healthy after battling back problems last year and Stratton, Carter and Meucci proven passing targets. With only a handful of two-way starters, Stoneton expects his 4-4 defense to be more stout and finish games stronger. After going winless at home the past two years, the Ramblers will be a much tougher foe at Maxwell Field or anywhere else.

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