Coach: Kyle Rines (second year)
Conference: EWC Class: D South
Last year’s record: 12-6, lost in regional semifinals
Returning players: Seniors — Sidney Jackson (P/3B), Jacob Albert (1B), Ralph Dunn (1B/DH), Gerry Gagne (OF), Nick Cates (2B/OF), Jon Randolph (OF); Juniors — Jacob Kraske (OF/P), Matt Beaucage (2B/OF/P), Simon Burch (2B/OF); Sophomores — Tyler Sullivan (P/3B), Zack Grover (OF/1B), Ethan Jackson (SS/P), Mitchell Porter (2B).
Key losses: Jared Eastman (C), Tyler Vallee (1B).
Promising newcomers: Senior — Alec Brough (P/OF/3B/1B); Sophomores — Mason Barker (IF/OF), Andrew Wilson (OF/P); Freshmen — Cole Merrill (C), Dylan Harvey (C/IF/OF), Bryor Gurney (IF).
Season outlook: Buckfield should be back in the mix as one of the top teams in Class D South. The Jacksons and Kraske combined for 83 stolen bases a year ago, which is a testament to the Bucks’ abiltiy to get aboard and wreak havoc. Randolph, Gagne, Kraske and Beaucage all have championship game experience from past seasons. Kraske will be the pitching ace after weaving a 1.80 ERA as a sophomore. The Bucks will have 11 home games, including their first eight contests, a scheduling quirk that should prove helpful in getting off to a hot start.
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