Coach: Jim Hersom (first year)

Conference: West Class: D

Last year: 7-4, lost in regional championship

Returning players: Seniors — Tyler Frost (FB/LB), Kaine Hutchins (HB/SS), Joe Casey (RB/LB); Juniors — Gavin Arsenault (SE/DB), Riley Robinson (QB/S), Mike Casey (RB/DB), Clay Swett (TE/DE).

Key losses: Jack Brown (T/DT), Joey Hebert (C/DT), Heath Hersom (TB/LB), Zach Demars (DB), Julian Baldinelli (G), Brett Beauchesne (TB/CB), Jesse Hutchinson (G).

Promising newcomers: Senior — Matt Irish (NG); Juniors — Bennett Doiron (G/DT), Vince Hebert (T/DT); Sophomore — Bryce Whittemore (G/DT).

Season outlook: Dirigo knocked on the door the past two years, finishing as regional runner-up under Dave Crutchfield. He returns to an assistant role this year, with the much-traveled and successful Hersom taking over. Hersom called this one of the best training camps in his 31 years as a coach. He has the type of offensive weapons he likes, with an every-down threat in Frost and a handful of halfbacks, led by converted receiver Hutchins, who can provide a change of pace. The Cougars will be strong at linebacker and in the secondary. The entire offensive line must be replaced. How that group develops may ultimately determine whether or not Dirigo takes the final step and returns to the state game for the first time since its 2009 Gold Ball.