LYMAN HALL

Coach: Rob Marone (1st year)

League: SCC

Last season: 4-6

Top offensive players: Pete Barney, 5-10, 175, Sr., FB; Devin Cruz, 5-9, 170, Sr., HB

Top defensive players: Jared Bias, 6-0, 260, Sr., DL; Ryan Bohne, 5-9, 165, Sr., LB

Key losses: Kyle Upton, QB; Joe DeSandre, RB/LB; Connor Riordan, OL/DL

Inside the huddle: Lost its two top skill players in Upton (2,071 yards passing, 15 TDs in 2011) and DeSandre (1,086 rushing yards, 16 TDs). Replacing them may be difficult. Trojans have just seven seniors and will be young and inexperienced. The development of sophomore Kyle Smith at quarterback will be key. Smith completed 4-of-16 passes for 34 yards and an INT last season. The running backs (Barney and Cruz) saw limited time last season and they need to adjust to life on the varsity level quickly in order for Lyman Hall to be effective offensively.
See you there:Marone is in his first season as head coach. Lyman Hall opens the season on the road at East Haven on Sept. 14, 7 p.m. Marone's father, Mike, is the athletic director at East Haven.

HOPKINS

Coach: Tom Parr (31st year, 200-61)

League: Fairchester

Last season: 4-3

Top offensive players: Jim Martino, Jr., 6-1, 220, FB; Max Pantalena, Sr., 6-0, 200, G

Top defensive players: Spencer Lowlicht, Sr., 6-2, 215, DL; Sam Beck, Sr., 5-11, 175, CB

Key losses: Greg Volpe, QB; Jashon DeSenna, LB; Tikim Coombs, DB

Inside the huddle: Lines are experienced but, besides, Martino, skills players are very inexperienced. Skill players must mature quickly, especially at the quarterback position. The Hilltoppers will operate out of the I-formation. Junior Dan Rivera will be at halfback, while sophomore Kamsi Nwangu will see time at fullback. Parr thinks St. Luke's is the favorite in the Fairchester League. Parr said if his skill players can mature quickly, Hopkins could be a contender.
Stat Facts: Martino rushed 93 times for 638 yards and three touchdowns last season.

NORTH HAVEN

Coach: Anthony Sagnella (19 years, 99-94-2)

League: SCC

Last season: 9-2 (SCC Division II East Champions, Class L quarterfinalists)

Top offensive players: Jalon White, 5-9 ,165, Sr., TB (#21 in above photo); Matt Marcarelli, 6-0, 240, Sr., OL

Top defensive players: Quincy Pecora, 5-10, 175, Sr., LB (also is RB); Mike Halloran, 6-1, 185, Jr., LB

Key losses: Mark Zurlis (#44 in above photo), FB/LB; Jake Mikos, OL/DL; Andrew Savenelli, OL/DL; Joe Schwab, QB/DB; J.P. Deviglia, RB; Matt Manemiet, DB.

Inside the huddle: Need to develop younger players quickly, lacking experience due to large, productive senior class that graduated. Will again operate out of the single-wing formation. Sagnella hopes the Indians can be competitive in every game. He said this is a good group that lacks a lot of varsity experience. Team will be led by a strong junior class. 

Stat Facts: White rushed 140 times for 1,197 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior, and he's expected to be one of the top players in the SCC.  

HAND

Coach: Steve Filippone (23 rd year, 188-66-6)

League: SCC

Last season: 13-0 (Class L champions)

Top offensive players: Kyle Anderson, 6-4, 190, Sr., WR; Ian O'Toole, 5-9, 175, Sr., RB

Top defensive players: Matt Walsh, 6-1, 225, Sr., LB (also a fullback); Peter Gerson, 6-3, 215, Sr., DE

Key losses: Henry Foye, QB; Kevin Frey, RB; Joe DeMichele, OL/DL; Vance Giarratana, DB; Nick Vitale, WR

Inside the huddle: Graduated 16 starters, relative inexperience on offense at key positions, tradition and defense will be a team strength.Walsh made over 60 unassisted tackles last season and was a Register All-Area selection. Gerson made 56 solo tackles, 15 sacks and recovered two fumbles in 2011. Filippone calls Gerson the most explosive player he's ever coached. Senior strong safety Alex Tuccero made three interceptions as a junior. Seniors Cam Gravina and Matt Saganelli will anchor the offensive line. Anderson, who made 49 catches and seven touchdowns in 2011, is one of the SCC's top receivers. O'Toole is expected to take over the running back duties full-time after Frey graduated. Senior Brendan Bilchek is expected to be the team's starting quarterback. Filippone says Bilchek has good arm strength and is a capable decision maker.

Recruiting watch: Walsh has given his oral commitment to play at UConn. Gerson will attend Yale next fall. 

In response to @BigPat31 on Twitter, below are some games around the state that might be worth checking out in 2012.

You can follow me on Twitter @MikePucciNHR.

Dates, sites and times are subject to change.

CCC

New Britain at Glastonbury, Sept. 14, 6:30 p.m.
Southington at New Britain, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
Rocky Hill at Berlin, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
Bloomfield at Northwest Catholic, Sept. 29, 10:30 a.m.
Windsor at Hartford Public, Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m.
Berlin at Northwest Catholic, Oct. 13, 7 p.m.
Windsor at Middletown, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
Rocky Hill at Bloomfield, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
Glastonbury at Southington, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
Berlin at Bloomfield, Nov. 9, 7 p.m.
Berlin at New Britain, Nov. 21, 6 p.m.
Northwest Catholic at Rocky Hill, Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m.

ECC

Fitch at Norwich Free Academy, Sept. 29, 1 p.m.
Norwich Free Academy at Ledyard, Oct. 5, 6:30 p.m.
Fitch at New London, Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m.
New London at Ledyard, Nov. 10, 10:30 a.m.
Norwich Free Academy at New London, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.

FCIAC

Greenwich at Ridgefield, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.
St. Joseph at Staples, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.
St. Joseph at Darien, Sept. 29, 1:30 p.m.
New Canaan at St. Joseph, Oct. 20, 2:30 p.m.
Staples at Darien, Oct. 27, 1:30 p.m.
St. Joseph at Trumbull, Nov. 21, 7 p.m.
New Canaan at Darien, Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m.
Staples at Greenwich, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.

NVL

Torrington at Wolcott, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
Woodland at Ansonia, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
Derby at Ansonia, Sept. 28, 7 p.m.
Holy Cross at Torrington, Sept. 28, 7 p.m.
Ansonia at Holy Cross, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.
Woodland at Torrington, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
Wolcott at Ansonia, Nov. 2, 7 p.m.
Holy Cross at Woodland, Nov. 2, 7 p.m.
Woodland at Wolcott, Nov. 9, 7 p.m.
Wolcott at Holy Cross, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.
Naugatuck at Ansonia, Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m.

PEQUOT

Cromwell at Hyde, Oct. 6, 2 p.m.
Gilbert/NW Regional at Avon, Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m.
North Branford at Cromwell, Oct. 27, 1 p.m.
Hyde at North Branford, Nov. 21, 6 p.m.
Haddam-Killingworth at Valley Regional/Old Lyme, Nov. 21, 6:30 p.m.

SCC

Hand at Hillhouse (Bowen), Sept. 21, 4 p.m.
North Haven at Xavier, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
Sheehan at Amity, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
West Haven at Notre Dame-West Haven, Sept. 28, 7 p.m.
Fairfield Prep at Xavier, Sept. 28, 7 p.m.
Shelton at Fairfield Prep, Oct. 5, 6 p.m.
Hand at Xavier, Oct. 12, 7 p.m.
Hillhouse at North Haven, Oct. 12, 7 p.m.
West Haven at Hand, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
North Haven at Sheehan, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
Xavier at Hillhouse, Oct. 26, 3 p.m.
Xavier at Shelton, Nov. 2, 7 p.m.
Shelton at Hand, Nov. 9, 7 p.m.
West Haven at Xavier, Nov. 9, 7 p.m.
Foran at Guilford, Nov. 14, 7 p.m.
Amity at North Haven, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.
Fairfield Prep at West Haven, Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m.

SWC

Bethel at Bunnell, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.
Pomperaug at Masuk, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.
Bunnell at Brookfield, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
Pomperaug at Newtown, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
Brookfield at Newtown, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.
Masuk at Bunnell, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.
Masuk at Brookfield, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
Brookfield at Pomperaug, Oct. 26, 7 p.m.
Bunnell at Newtown, Nov. 9, 7 p.m.
Masuk at Newtown, Nov. 21, 7 p.m.
Bethel at Brookfield, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.

Non-league

North Haven at New London, Oct. 5, 6:30 p.m.
Stamford at Norwich Free Academy, Oct. 20, 1 p.m.
Middletown at Xavier, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.
Cheshire at Southington, Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m.

AMITY

Coach: Bert Mozealous (3rd year, 8-12)

League: SCC

Last season: 4-6

Top offensive players: James Semmonella, 6-0, 195, Sr., QB; David Attolino, 5-10, 185, Sr., RB

Top defensive players: Greg Purcell, 6-0, 260, Sr., DL; Mike Vitale, 6-4, 275, Sr., DL

Key losses: Tyler Vallie QB, Cody Ellison WR/DB, Subhe Salah, OL

Inside the huddle: Mozealous says this year’s team will go as far the experienced line takes them. The Spartans have decent size up front, led by Purcell, Vitale and Toro. Another key will be the play of Semmonella, who moves from running back to quarterback. Semmonella replaces Tyler Vallie, who graduated. Vallie passed for 1,206 yards and 12 touchdowns last season and rushed for 918 yards and 13 scores. There are six starters returning on each side of the ball. Mozealous believes Amity should be very competitive this season.

Stat Facts: Semmonella rushed 63 times for 434 yards and four touchdowns last season and caught 22 passes and two more touchdowns.

EAST HAVEN

Coach: Greg Volpe (5th year)

League: SCC

Last season: 2-8

Top offensive players: Dom Dellacamera, Jr., RB; Mike DeMarco, Jr., RB

Top defensive players: Mark Spadacenta, Sr., DE; Bryant Maranda, Sr., LB

Key losses: Niko Fiorillo, QB/S; Joe Costanzo, RB/LB; Mike Vessicchio, WR/DB; Shawn Tarnawa, OL/DL

Inside the huddle: Very young team, small numbers, depth will be an issue, so remaining healthy will be key. Volpe says the team has implemented a new offense, which may take time to develop. Easties lost most of their skill players to graduation. Volpe says East Haven is the smallest team in the league, and is at a disadvantage against most teams.

Stat Facts: According to Max Preps, Dellacamera rushed 42 times for 184 yards and one score in six games that stats were entered last season.

OXFORD

Coach: Joe Stochmal (6th year, 13-28)

League: SWC

Last season: 5-5

Top offensive players: Bucky Gumbrewicz, Sr., OL; Dave Lavorgna, Sr., WR

Top defensive players: Brennen Diaz, Sr., LB; Jeff Haney, Jr., LB

Key losses: Alex Miller, QB/DB; Joe Carbonaro, OL/DL; Matt Hanna, OL/DL; Chris Hovan, RB/LB; Jordan Biagioni, WR/DB; Brian Spicer, TE/DE; Anthony Paternoster, FB/LB (playing at Fitchburg St.); Justin Lasto, WR/LB (playing at University of New Haven)

Inside the huddle: Stochmal says: “We will be young and have to show to grow up quickly. We must play with a sense of urgency. Staying healthy will be a key factor in our success, as we are young and inexperienced at the varsity level.” Most of the Wolverines’ skill players graduated, so replacing those starters will be a challenge, as will adjusting to a new offensive set. Stochmal lists Newtown and Bunnell as the top two teams in the South-West Conference.

Stat Facts: Diaz made five sacks and recovered two fumbles last season and will anchor the defense.

XAVIER

Coach: Sean Marinan (10th year)

League: SCC

Last season: 13-0 (SCC Division I champs, Class LL champs)

Top offensive players: Tim Boyle, 6-4, 220, Sr., QB; DeAngelo Berry, 5-9, 170, Sr., RB

Top defensive players: Kris Luster, 5-10, 175, Sr., CB; Max Tylki, 6-0, 210, Sr., LB

Key losses: Mike Mastroianni, RB; Pat D'Amato, QB; Jake Whalen, C/DE; Ryan Murphy, TE/SS; Ryan Jacobucci, WR/CB; Ryan Craig, LB; Sean Marinan, G/DE: Jovan Santos-Knox, TE/LB

Inside the huddle: The Falcons must replace of plethora of starters from last season, when Xavier won its second straight Class LL championship.  Five graduated starters were Register All-State selections. Marinan, the coach, believes that if his team can fill the holes and stay healthy, they should be competitive against any opponent. Berry will likely be the team's featured running back after rushing for 340 yards and five touchdowns last season. Tylki made 69 tackles and three sacks last season.

Recruiting watch: Boyle has already orally committed to play at Boston College. Boyle completed 31-of-48 passes for 716 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

LEDYARD

Coach: Jim Buonocore (13 years overall, 92-47-1)

League: ECC

Last season: 11-2 (ECC Medium Division champions, Class M finalists)

Top offensive players: John Rainey, 6-0, 185, Sr., QB; Kyle Wilson, 6-2, 255, Sr., OL

Top defensive players: Cal Karpi, 5-11, 185, Sr., LB; Chevy Perry, 6-0, 215, Sr., DE

Key losses: Dallas Smith, TE/LB; Alex Manwaring, RB; Slade Baxley, WR/DB; Matt Daggett, FB/LB

Inside the huddle: Keys to the season will be strong play on the line, balance on the offensive side of the ball, rush defense and strong special teams play. Rainey returns under center, but Colonels must replace the bulk of their offense with the graduation of their top running back (Manwaring) and receiver (Baxley). Wilson is expected to be one of the top linemen in the ECC, as should senior Bobby Bozym. 

Championship Fact: Ledyard has appeared in 10 state title games and has won four titles, but none since 2007.

GLASTONBURY

Coach: Scott Daniels (2nd year, 8-3)

League: CCC

Last season: 8-3 (Class LL quarterfinalists)

Top offensive players: Ben Berey, 5-11, 180, Sr., QB; Josh Hill, 6-2, 220, Sr., WR

Top defensive players: Ty Janssen, 5-11, 190, Sr., LB; Andy Cavana, 6-0, 220, Jr., DL

Key losses: Devin O'Reilly, CB; Nick Latty, CB; Nick Colasante, C; Bobby Volle, LB

Inside the huddle: Team speed is above average, according to Daniels. Defense should be a team strength. Development of the offensive line will be key. Berey, who also plays safety, is expected to be one of the top players in the CCC.

Championship Fact: The Tomahawks will attempt to qualify for the postseason for the fifth straight year.

SEYMOUR

Coach: Tom Lennon (4th year, 6-24)

League: NVL

Last season: 5-5

Top offensive players: Mike Conlan, 6-0, 185, Sr., QB/WR/DB; Jim Vartelas, 5-10, 165, Sr., RB/LB

Top defensive players: Dan Bonney, 5-9, 165, Sr., DL/OL; Zach Sirowich, 6-2, 215, Jr., DL/LB/OL

Key losses: Luke Grabowski, QB/DB; Dylan Sadick, OL/LB; Josh Tilton, OL/LB; Jon Wilson, RB/DB; Rob Brito, OL/DL

Inside the huddle: Young team, 40 of 55 players on roster are sophomores or freshmen. Team needs to mature quickly. Development of offensive line will be key.Seymour must replace its top two rushers (Grabowski and Wilson) who combined for more than 1,400 yards and 19 touchdowns. Vartelas and senior fullback Jack Briggs will likely get most of the hand offs.

Stat Facts: Conlan made a team-leading 26 catches last season, but may get the call under center. Bonney and Sirowich combined for 63 tackles and three sacks in 2011, and the two will likely anchor the defense this year.

WINDSOR

Coach: Rob Fleeting (4th year)

League: CCC

Last season: 11-1 (Class L semifinalists)

Top offensive players: Robert Quinn Fleeting, 6-0, 180, Sr., QB; Rhyeime Moore, 6-0, 180, Sr., WR

Top defensive players: Cole Ormsby, 6-4, 240, Sr., DE; Brendan Gale, 6-0, 195, Sr., LB

Key losses: Aaron Berardino, WR/DB; Khamal Valentine, LB; Ben Compton, DL

Inside the huddle: Returns several key skill players, including Fleeting at quarterback. Spread offense should be highly explosive (team averaged 36.3 points per game last season). Defense expected to be strong, anchored by twins Cole and Lance Ormsby. Has the talent to make return trip to Class L playoffs, and just might be considered the favorites in that class at this point.

Stat Facts: Quinn Fleeting, the coach's son, threw for 2,802 yards and 30 touchdowns last season. Moore caught 36 passes for 911 yards and nine scores, Cole Ormsby made 64 tackles and 13 sacks and was a Register All-State selection.

Recruiting watch: According to Fleeting, the coach, Quinn Fleeting has been offered by CCSU. Cole Ormsby has been offered by UMass, while brother Lance has been offered by CCSU. 

NORTH BRANFORD

Coach: Mark Basil (10 years, 70-37)

League: Pequot Conference

Last season: 9-2 (Class S quarterfinalists)

Top offensive players: Brandan Basil, 6-2, 190, Sr., QB; Joe DeLucia, 5-9, 170, Sr., RB/WR

Top defensive players: Gary Falanga, 6-0, 185, Sr., LB; Rocco Morgan, 5-11, 220, Sr., DL

Key losses: Damoy Hunter, OL/DL; Anthony Franco, OL/LB; Cory Onofrio, SE/DB; Christian Perrotti, OL/LB.

Inside the huddle: Returns several talented skill players. Rebuilding offensive line. Strong group of seniors. Good balance of experience, strength and speed. 

Stat Facts: Brandan Basil threw for 2,113 yards and 31 touchdowns last season, DeLucia had 1,571 all-purpose yards and 22 touchdowns, senior running back Dale Hausman had 1,051 all-purpose yards, senior split end Chris Caron had 34 receptions and 438 yards, Falanga made 63 tackles and scored five defensive touchdowns. 

OUTLOOK

The Thunderbirds have a plethora of skill players, but must rebuild their offensive line. Still, North Branford has enough returning to be, perhaps, the most talented team in the Pequot Conference.

"We have some very good parts coming back this year,"  Basil said. "I think we're going to be able to fill those voids pretty well."

AIR IT OUT

Brandan Basil, who saw spot action as a sophomore and took over full-time last season, will operate the offense out of a spread formation. Expect plenty of offensive fireworks from the Thunderbirds, who averaged 37.7 points per game last season.

"Last year, I think teams came in expecting us — we've always been a run team — to run the ball, but we started to air the ball out," Mark Basil said. "I think teams are going to play us through the air.

"We have so many good athletes. They're good athletes, but they're football players. They know the game. They're not just kids that we took from another sport and put them in a position. They know the game. We have a lot of options to get the ball to."

 Caron and senior Alex McGuigan will be part of the team's receiving corps. McGuigan (6-3, 180) is a tall target, while Basil calls Caron a "Wes Walker like player".

"Both of these kids are very good," Mark Basil said. "I think both of them will be able to make a lot of plays."

Mark Basil says Brandan, his son, has learned to understand coverages much better. Brandan attended several passing camps this summer and Mark says Brandan learned how to spot the ball, rather than throw the ball to an area. 

"In those areas, he picked up a lot of things," Mark Basil said. "He also learned a lot in the play-action aspect. He got schooled pretty good this summer."

Mark Basil said Brandan was invited to several camps: Penn, Princeton, Columbia and Dartmouth. Brandan is also looking at Marist, Sacred Heart, Stonehill and Bryant.

JOCK OF ALL TRADES

DeLucia, meanwhile, gives North Branford an option at several positions. 

"Joey can do a number of things," Mark Basil said. "He's a punt returner, kick returner threat, he's a running back and he's a receiver."

DeLucia is hoping the Thunderbirds can make a lengthier postseason run this year. 

"We'll try to do a little bit better than last season, even though we had a really good year last year," DeLucia said. "We have a lot of upcoming linemen that can fill in the positions of the linemen that we graduated."

DeLucia may add the role of kicker to his resume this season.

"I'm just trying to have as good or even better season than I did last year," DeLucia said. "I know my teammates will help me out, but I'm just trying to do what I can for the team."

NEW CANAAN

Coach: Lou Marinelli (32 years at New Canaan, career record of 274-93-7)
League: FCIAC
Last season: 11-2 (FCIAC East Champions, Class L finalists
Top offensive players: Duke Repko, 6-0, 160, Sr., WR; Grady Lynch, 6-0, 175, Sr., WR
Top defensive players: Michael Root, 6-2, 200, Jr., LB; Cole Harris, 5-11, 185, Jr., LB
Key losses: Matt Milano, QB; Patrick Newton, WR; Kevin McDonough, RB/LB; Bobby Distler, RB/LB
Inside the huddle: Young but talented. Need to replace Milano, who passed for 2,981 yards and 32 touchdowns in 2011. Repko caught 20 passes and three touchdowns last season. Lynch also made 20 receptions.
Fast fact: There is a quarterback competition brewing between junior Teddy Bossidy and junior Nick Cascione. Bossidy completed 23-of-43 passes for 176 yards and a touchdown last season, while Cascione completed 4-of-8 for 29 yards. The two combined to rush for 525 yards and five scores.

DERBY

Coach: George French (3rd year, 9-11)
League: NVL
Last season: 4-6
Top offensive players: Dillon McMahon, 5-8, 150, Sr., WR; Tyrae Small, 5-10, 205, Jr., RB
Top defensive players: Matt Nicolari, 5-10, 195, Sr., LB; Duane Jones, 5-10, 215, Sr., DL
Key losses: Ray Kreiger, QB; Brian Dobek, WR/DB; Tim Adanti, TE; Luis Casco, OL/LB.
Inside the huddle: Six returning letter winners, including three starters on offensive/defensive lines. Experience on the line should be invaluable, especially on defense. McMahon caught 50 passes for 1,089 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior.
Fast fact: Kreiger was a four-year starter at quarterback. His brother, Michael, a sophomore, is expected to start at the position this season.

OUTLOOK

In 2010, Derby played as part of a co-op with O'Brien Tech. Last season, most of the team's more experienced and talented linemen attended O'Brien Tech and played for the Condors as that school fielded a varsity football team for the first time.

French, though, is confident that Derby's line should be improved with the return of several starters who gained valuable experience playing on the varsity level last season.

"The offensive line, they have a year in, and we have most of those kids coming back," French said. "This is probably the first year (since French has been coach) that we have some experience coming back on the line."

French added: "I expect much improvement from a 4-6 season last year."

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

Last season, despite Derby scoring an average of 33 points per game, the defense surrendered 32.

"Defensively, we were hurt big time last year," French said. "In the off-season, these kids have really worked their butts off to get bigger, stronger, faster. We're really taking a hard look at our defense, really work hard on our fundamentals and going back to basics. We have not set our sights low when it comes to defense this year."

UNDER CENTER

With the graduation of Ray Kreiger, there will likely be a quarterback competition as summer camp progresses.

"It's the first day of camp so we're taking a hard look at it," French said. "Michael's had a great off-season. He's been throwing the ball very well."

McMahon can also play the position, as well as sophomore Ben Slowik and junior Sal Frosceno.

BIG AND SMALL

Another area Derby hopes to improve upon this season is its running game. Small will likely be the team's featured running back.

"Tyrae had an excellent off-season," French said. "He's put on about 20 pounds of muscle, he grew another inch or two. He's really learning how to run. A lot of people don't understand how young he is. He's a junior, but he's only played football since his freshman year. He's still learning the game. Each year of him carrying the football he's gotten better and better. He looks very good so far."

Said Small: "I'm expecting a great season. I think I'm going to be able to run the ball well with my line blocking. We have to be more balanced so teams don't think we're just a passing team."

Beginning today in our What to Look For (W2L4) feature, I will highlight teams, leagues, players, positions to keep an eye out for in 2012.

Summer conditioning begins Wednesday for teams that DID NOT elect to have spring practice. For teams that did elect to have spring practice, they will begin summer conditioning on Aug. 20.


W2L4: SHEEHAN

Coach: John Ferrazzi (8th season, 27-42-2)
Last season: 5-5
Top offensive players: Sean Merrill, 6-4, 275, Sr., OL; Jeremy Gannon, 5-9, 165, Sr., ATH/QB/WR.
Top defensive players: Rich Radomski, 6-0, 220, Sr., LB; Kyle Paolella, 5-10, 160, Sr., DB.
Key losses: A.J. Pascuzzo, WR/RB/DB; Billy Gannon, QB; Brodie Corless, K/P/WR/LB.
Inside the huddle: Return four starters on offensive line; Defense returns eight starters. Offense has potential to be "dangerous" according to Ferrazzi.
Recruiting watch: Merrill has received interest from Villanova, Lafayette, Lehigh and New Hampshire.