Jeff Parenteau stands 5-foot-5 and weighs 150 pounds.

“His track coaches say he’s the fastest human being in the state for the first 10 yards,” said Belfast High School co-head football coach Butch Arthers.

Ten yards in football will get you a first down. And Parenteau has racked up plenty of those in his career.

The senior tailback was the leading rusher in the LTC Class B ranks a year ago, rolling up 1,289 yards on only 166 carries for an average of 7.8 yards per carry. He also led the conference in touchdowns with 14.

And the bad news for Belfast opponents?

“I’m in better shape than I was last year,” said Parenteau. “In the first game last season, I had to come out because I was a little tired. I shouldn’t have to come off the field this season. And I’m also getting in on defense.”

“He is in better shape,” agreed Arthers. “The last time I saw him, he was benching 280 pounds.”

In addition to All-LTC first team pick Parenteau, the Lion offense also boasts senior tackle Zach Gallant, another first-team choice, and fullback Matt Welch, who was a second-teamer.

When he wasn’t opening holes for Parenteau, Welch was averaging 5.9 yards per carry (340 yards on 58 carries). Parenteau and Welch are three-year starters.

There isn’t a lot of experience other than in the offensive backfield, however.

But the Lions have made the playoffs the last nine seasons including a berth in last year’s LTC championship game where eventual state champ Winslow eliminated them 22-6.

And they have been bolstered by the return of the “Three Amigos.”

That is the nickname Arthers has given to senior linemen Josh Payson, Tom Ward, and Marcus Colby. They played as freshmen but, for various reasons, didn’t play the last two seasons.

“They average around 250 pounds and they have returned at a real key time for us because we lost some key people up front,” said Arthers.

They will be joined in the offensive line by 280-pound junior Ronnie Morse along with senior tight ends Tim Aldus and Kane Ackley.

“We have three offensive starters back and two who started most of the time on defense. So we have a lot of teaching to do. Fortunately, we have an outstanding backfield and those big guys up front to block. We should be OK offensively,” said Arthers.

“We’ve got a very big line. They’ll do a good job hiding me. All they need is experience,” said Parenteau. “And the coaches do a great job teaching them what they need to know.”

Senior John Lear will be the first-year starting quarterback and is considered a real student of the game by Arthers. Arthers’ son, Nick, will back him up.

Welch and juniors Arthers, Paul Herman and Tim Morley will anchor the defense from their linebacker positions. Lear has experience at safety, but the secondary is the area where the Lions will be especially inexperienced.

“Barring injuries and a total mutiny, we’ve got some kids who will get better and better as the year goes along and we should be pretty competitive in October,” said Arthers.

BELFAST LIONS

2001 results: 8-3, lost in LTC Class B final

Co-head coaches: Butch Arthers, 11th year; Butch Richards, 2nd year

Key players: Jeff Parenteau, TB-CB, Sr.; Matt Welch, QB-S, Sr.; Zach Gallant, OT, Sr.; Ian Dutch, G-DT, Sr.; John Lear, QB-OLB, Sr.; Nick Arthers, QB-OLB, Jr.; Tim Aldus, SE-CB, Sr.; Kane Ackley, TE-DE, Sr.; Josh Payson, G-DT, Sr.; Tom Ward, C-DT, Sr.; Marcus Colby, DT-OT, Sr.

Outlook: The Lions should be explosive thanks to All-LTC first team selections Parenteau, the league’s rushing leader, and Gallant and second-teamer Welch. Payson, Ward and Colby have returned to the program after two-year absences and will supply needed help in the line. They are inexperienced but should improve dramatically during the season. The secondary has to be entirely revamped.