Coach: Mike Hathaway (13th year)

Conference: West Class: C

Last year: 11-0, state champions

Returning players: Seniors — Mitchel Davis (TE/DE), Will Parkin (C/MLB), John Davis (OL), Kyle Knight (OL/DL), Taylor Woodbury (DE); Juniors — Billy Bedard (slot/QB/S), Max Green (WR/CB), Kevin Knight (OL/DL), Chandler Lajoie (OL/DL), John Rousseau (TB/DE).

Key losses: Tyler Chicoine (QB), Conor O’Malley (TB/DE), Nate Coombs (slot/DB), Sam Green (SE), Matt Powell (T/DT), Levi Morin (C/LB), Matt Child (T/DT), Clay Rowland (SE/DB), Scott Sleeper (TE/LB), Nate Rousseau (TB/DB).

Promising newcomers: Seniors — Gabe Seeley (WR/CB), Isaiah Calder (DB); Juniors — Levi Craig (QB), Julian Kirouac (TB/LB/S), Christian Callahan (slot/CB), Adam Smith (OL/DL), Chad Morin (OL), Bryce Cobb (DL); Sophomore — D’Andre James (slot/DB).

Season outlook: As good as ever, considering that the Hornets lost 19 seniors, most of whom played integral roles on an undefeated state championship squad. The Hornets will show new formations on offense and defense. The strong-armed, athletic Craig appears poised to join the long line of outstanding Leavitt QBs, and he has the 6-5 Davis, 6-4 Seeley, 6-3 Green and multi-talented Bedard at his disposal. Parkin, one of the leading tacklers in 2013, takes over Morin’s pivotal spot in the middle on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Bedard will move around on defense, as well. Expect Leavitt to be better in November than September and to challenge for another bus ride to Portland.