I sent out preseason preview forms to state coaches on Tuesday; props to Pomperaug coach Dave Roach for being the first coach to reply.

In the coming days and weeks, as coaches begin to send back forms, I'll post team previews on this blog to get us ready for the start of the 2013 High School Football Season, which kicks off on Sept. 11. 

Since they were the first, we'll start with Pomperaug.

POMPERAUG

Ed Arum Field, Southbury

Coach: Dave Roach (3rd year, 12-8)
Conference: SWC
2012 Record: 4-6
2013 Kickoff: vs. Newtown, Sept. 12, 7 p.m.
Top offensive players: Wade Prajer, 6-0, 190, Sr., QB; Steve Croce, 5-9, 165, Jr., WR; Sam Rubinstein, 6-1, 170, Sr., WR; Seamus Conway, 6-2, 220, Sr., OL; Bob Tzepos, 5-9, 185, Sr., RB.
Top defensive players: Jack Yule, 6-0, 230, Sr., LB; Nico Rosa, 6-4, 230, Sr., DE; Matt Silverman, 5-8, 165, Sr., LB; Jake Parsell, 5-10, 235, Jr., DL.
Key losses: Eric Beatty, K/QB; Jesse Prajer, DE; Carl Gatzendorfer, CB; Corey Bake, OL.
Outlook: The Panthers have size, strength and speed, according to Roach. There was a renewed emphasis on off-season lifting and conditioning, and Roach thinks his squad will be competitive.  Pomperaug will likely run several formations offensively, but the Panthers have to adjust to life without Beatty, who directed the offense last season. Three of Pomeraug's losses last season were to teams that qualified for the playoffs (Masuk, Newtown, Weston) and another (Oxford) that just missed out on a Class S berth. There's a good chance that the Panthers can climb back over .500 this season.