Coach: Mike Hathaway (14th year)
Conference: South Class: B
Last year’s record: 10-2, Class C West champions
Returning players: Seniors — Billy Bedard (slot/WR/RB/DB), Max Green (WR/CB), Kevin Knight (G/DT), Chandler Lajoie (T/LB), John Rousseau (TB/DE), Levi Craig (QB), Julian Kirouac (slot/LB), Christian Callahan (WR/DB), Adam Smith (G/NT), Chad Morin (C/LB), Bryce Cobb (T/DT); Junior — D’Andre James (WR/DB), Hunter Sirois (TB/DE), Josh Sylvester (TE/LB)
Key losses: Mitchel Davis (TE/DE), Will Parkin (C/MLB), John Davis (OL), Kyle Knight (OL/DL), Taylor Woodbury (DE), Gabe Seeley (WR/CB), Isaiah Calder (DB/WR).
Promising newcomers: Junior — Garrett Morin (OL/DE); Sophomore — Aidan Parmenter (OL).
Season outlook: The timing is right for Leavitt’s return to Class B after a two-year stint in C. Craig, who accounted for 42 total touchdowns (34 passing) as a junior, returns at QB, with all-purpose athlete Bedard and the rangy Green at his disposal. The Hornets have the luxury of moving leading returning rusher Kirouac to slot receiver thanks to the emergence of Sirois and Rousseau. Knight and Lajoie lead an all-senior offensive line. Hathaway describes nose tackle Smith as “unblockable” in preseason practice, and Lajoie, Bedard and Kirouac are as outstanding defensively as they are with the ball. Marshwood, Biddeford and York will beef up Leavitt’s schedule, but another trip to the state game is possible.
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