Coach: Bruce Nicholas (third year)

Region: A North

Last year’s record: 2-7, lost in Class A North quarterfinals

Returning athletes: Seniors — Garrett Poussard (RB/DE), Brock Belanger (RB/DB), Jeremy Madore (TE/LB), Sean O’Donnell (RB/LB).; Juniors — Tanner Cortes (QB/FS), Hunter Landry (RB/DB).

Key losses: Roman Dennis (RB/LB), Keyshawn Green (T/DE).

Promising newcomers: Seniors — Sean Lake (DE), Conner  Kaplinger (LB), Jason Willis (SE), Lucas Nicholas (SE).

What to expect: After a playoff appearance in 2016,  the Blue Devils are looking to improve their record and host a home playoff game this year. That game would be at Bates College’s Garcelon Field, which will serve as their home while new fields are built on the high school campus. They have most of their skill position players back and expect Cortes, who took over as starting QB during last season, to take better advantage of multiple options in the passing game. The key will be how the revamped offensive line protects him. The defense is also inexperienced up front, but should be more opportunistic.