Coach: Mark Soehren (third yea)

Last year’s record: 0-9

Returning players: Seniors — Cam Woodford (FB/ILB), Conrad Labbe (FB/ILB), Mike Adams (T/DE), Frank Benedict (G/DT), Lucas Salas (C), Connor King (TE/T/DE), Jake Moody (SE/OLB).

Key losses: Josh Cooper (QB/DB), Matt Cooper (T/DL), Mike Whalen (RB/DB)

Promising newcomers: Seniors — Devin Goyette (C/OLB), Derek Hanscom (SE/FS), Alex Scales (T/DT); Junior — Patrick Summers (Slot/CB), Christian Hanscom (Slot/CB); Sophomores — Tony Whalen (QB/CB), Tyler Sturtevandt (Slot/OLB).

Outlook: The Knights have more size, speed, strength and experience this year, so getting into the win column should be easier. Tackling and taking care of the football have been major points of emphasis in the preseason. Whalen, the fastest runner on the team, will direct the triple-option offense in front of a veteran offensive line. The defense has been tweaked slightly from a 4-3 to a 4-2 to put the personnel in better position to make plays.

Coach’s comment: “We’ve got good size and good strength. It’s about deciding to play with technique.” — Coach Mark Soehren