Coach: Dave Sterling (third year)

Last year’s record: 3-5

Returning players: Seniors — Quin Leary (TE/LB), Sean Ford (QB), Alex Sterling (T/DT), Mitch Lachapelle (T/DT).

Key losses: Luke Farrago (FB/LB), Dylan Deconzo (LB/TB), Alphonso Belnavis (CB/WR), Darnell Hairston (DE/LB/TB), Josh Delong (QB), Tony Wysocki (G/NG), Garrett Sanborn (G/DE), Aaron Crenshaw (C).

Promising newcomers: Seniors — Bryan Uwaechia (CB/WR), Jake McLaughlin (G/DE); Juniors — Johnny Boyd (TB), Jeff Clark (FB), Andrew St. Pierre (MLB); Sophomore — Ian Mileikis (CB/WR).

Outlook: It remains to be seen how it will translate to the win column, but EL  flaunts perhaps its most athletic football team in years this season. Even the linchpins of the offensive line, Sterling (6 feet, 240 pounds) and Lachapelle (6-1, 245) kept in shape by running 5-kilometer races this summer. Ford and Leary, equally known for their exploits on the basketball court, will be a dangerous combination through the air. Ford was the third-leading passer in the PTC despite being only a part-time QB a year ago. Boyd and Clark make up an all-new backfield. The defense is young but had a strong preseason. EL again confronts a rough opening stretch of the schedule with Lawrence, Cony, Bangor and Brunswick out of the gate.

Coach’s comment: “We have a good core group of seniors, and we have some juniors stepping into big roles.” — Coach Dave Sterling