Lynx after 5th straight postseason berth

Mattanawcook Academy of Lincoln will go after its fifth straight playoff appearance this season with a new head coach.

Mike Carney, who has served as an assistant at MA, is the new head coach for the Lynx, replacing five-year head coach Tom Whitney, whose contract was not renewed.

“We have some talented kids back,” Carney said.

Indeed, the Lynx return just about every starter from last year’s 5-5 team that lost to eventual LTC “C” champion Bucksport in the semifinals.

The Lynx will be anchored by a veteran – and senior-laden – offensive line, led by guards Tyler Libbey and Ryan Leighton, tackles Pat Johnston and Matt Morin, and center Cole Averill. Morin, a sophomore, is the only nonsenior in the group.

Another senior, Jon Carney, anchors the receiving corps, joined by fellow seniors Randy Clifford, Brad Greenlaw, and John Woodman and tight end Tom Lasko.

Junior running back Tyler Gardner was the team’s leading rusher last year (750 yards) and offers another receiving threat out of the backfield, where he will be joined by seniors Neil McGhee (making the switch from offensive line) and Chris Kyes.

Junior Dustin Hanscom emerged as the team’s starting quarterback last year, one of several talented sophomores to play last year.

“His job is to get the ball to our athletes,” Mike Carney said.

The Lynx are also strong defensively, led by senior defensive end-kicker Matt Malone, linebackers Lasko, Clifford, and McGhee, defensive back Woodman, senior defensive tackle Arthur Osborne, sophomore linebacker Mackenzie Haines, and junior safety Nick Ireland.

The Lynx will have to improve on their 0-4 record against last year’s fellow playoff participants (Foxcroft Academy, Bucksport, and Stearns of Millinocket) to enhance their title hopes.

“We have to beat the teams that finished ahead of us in the standings last year to take it to the next level, which is what we want to do,” Mike Carney said.

The coach also said he was pleased with the effort the Lynx have shown so far in practice.

“Their work ethic has been extraordinary,” he said. “The senior leadership has been excellent.”

MATTANAWCOOK ACADEMY LYNX

2001 results: 5-5, lost in LTC “C” semifinals

Head coach: Mike Carney, 1st year

Key players: Jon Carney, WR-S, Sr.; Randy Clifford, WR-LB, Sr.; Matt Malone, DE-K, Sr.; Dustin Hanscom, QB, Jr.; John Woodman, WR-DB, Sr.; Tyler Libbey, OT-DE, Sr.; Neil McGhee, FB-LB, Sr.; Tyler Gardner, RB, Jr.; Tom Lasko, TE-LB, Sr.; Ryan Leighton, OL-TE-DE, Sr.; Cole Averill, C-NT, Sr.

Outlook: The Lynx will count on the leadership of their 13 seniors this season, many of whom will start on both sides of the ball. MA lost few starters from last year’s team and is poised to make a run at a fifth straight playoff appearance, though the team has had to deal with a few injuries during the preseason.