Coach: Mark Renna (first year)

Conference: West Class: C

Last year: 0-8

Returning players: Seniors — Adam Dumas (FB/LB), Carson Hodsdon (QB/DB), Nate Hennemann (C); Junior — Zach Haskell (WR/DB).

Key losses: Tyler Hicks (G/LB), Justin McKenna (WR/DB), Sam Johnson (RB/LB), Brandon Thibeault (RB/LB), Colby Graffius (G/LB).

Promising newcomers: Juniors — Tristan Herod (WR), Jason Zeisler (TB/DE), Austin Chase (DB), Kyle Keenan (WR).

Season outlook: The numbers have been daunting for Gray-New Gloucester. Renna is the sixth coach in 10 seasons, and none of his predecessors have stayed more than two years. The Patriots have won a total of two games since 2009. So the new coach has gotten down to brass tacks, installing the Wing-T and base 5-2 defense in hopes of focusing on fundamentals. Dumas and Hodsdon have been varsity mainstays and will provide leadership. Gray-NG is very young up front, with Hennemann surrounded by a junior, two sophomores and a freshman, none of whom have started in the past. Opening games with Yarmouth and Freeport will provide a good measuring stick before the Patriots step up significantly in competition.

Copy the Story Link