Coach: Jim Aylward (25th year, 27th overall)

Class: Western C

Last year’s record: 3-6, lost in Western B quarterfinals

Returning letter-winners: Seniors — Anthony Boucher (C), Brandon Roberts (T/DT), Tom Thibeau (T/DE); Juniors — Josh Mason (RB/LB), Caleb Gauvin (TE), Dalton Milledge (G); Sophomore — Alan Carrier (T).

Key losses: Matt Hosie (TB/FB/DE), Jake Theriault (TB/DB), Ryan Nicols (QB/DB), Colin Merrill (FB/MLB), Scott Nicols (OL/LB), Ryan Stickney (OL/DE), Santos Rodriguez (OL/DL), Dom Haines (WR/DB).

Promising newcomers: Senior — Zack Gross (G/LB), Austin Varnum (TE/DE), Mike Eversen (RB); Juniors — Ian Austin (RB), Nate Boucher (RB); Sophomore — Logan Wilhoite (RB/LB); Freshman — Kyle Farrar (RB).

Season outlook: The Falcons seemed poised to make a run at another regional title with a senior-dominated group in 2012, but a storm of injuries, ineligibility and other issues resulted in the rarest of Rumford/Mexico rarities — a losing season. It could happen again, if only because three-quarters of the team is comprised of freshmen and sophomores, but the future appears bright. What little varsity experience returns is concentrated along the offensive line, where Boucher, Roberts, Milledge and Carrier all saw spot starts a year ago. Mason provides a veteran presence in the backfield. Farrar may see immediate time as a freshman. Gross, a wrestler, is out for football for the first time and has been one of the pleasant surprises of camp. Longtime rival Wells will provide an enormous test on opening night, but by and large, the new schedule should be a good fit for the Falcons, who were eligible for Class D and chose to petition up.