For 20 years, the ultimate goal for Bangor High School’s football season has been the same: Win another gold ball.

Two decades of close calls, near-misses, and frustrating seasons made that goal appear more and more elusive, despite the fact the Rams have advanced to the playoffs 11 straight years.

That all changed last year as the Rams put together a 12-0 dream season that ended with a 20-14 victory over Portland in the Class A state championship game in Portland.

Bangor’s win also snapped a 19-year winning streak by Western Maine teams in the Class A or AA state games since 1981. The last East champ other than Bangor to win a big-school gold ball was Waterville in 1974. Bangor’s last four titles came in 2001, 1981, 1979, and 1975.

Understandably, second-year head coach Mark Hackett won’t be making many changes from the philosophy and approach he used last season.

“Honest to God truth, we haven’t changed the philosophy- offseason or preseason,” Hackett said. “I don’t think the focus changes at all. We want to practice hard, play hard, and have fun. I hope we enjoy the journey again and get where we want to go.”

Where the Rams want to go is Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland the last week of the postseason for the third straight year and become the first Class A team since South Portland in 1996 to repeat.

Another gold-ball season would make the Rams the first Eastern Maine team to successfully defend a state title in at least 52 years.

It’s amazing what a gold ball will do for the already high popularity of a program. Last year, 62 players went out for the team. This year the number was 81.

“There’s more of a new mix with young guys and brand new seniors who haven’t played football or varsity ball before,” said senior strong safety Joe Blier, one of four team captains. “A lot of people want to come out and be part of it now.”

The only noticeable changes thus far – other than the loss of five starters to graduation – is Hackett’s decision to go from two weeks of double practice sessions (10 days) to one week and one day this year, and a couple of new faces in the coaching staff.

Nat Clark and Fred Lower opted to join former Bangor coach Gabby Price’s new staff at Husson College. Replacing Lower as scouting coordinator and statistician is Lance Fenimore and stepping in for Clark is former Rams and UMaine placekicker Chris Binder, who will handle defensive ends and tight ends.

Hackett, who is also defensive coordinator, will take over running backs from Lower. Other assistants are John Tennett (offensive coordinator), Mike Missbrenner and Jack Kurtzman (offensive/defensive lines), and Daryl O’Kresik (receivers/defensive backs). Fred Lower Sr. is still the team’s videographer.

Seventeen starters return, and although it’s always tough to replace a Fitzpatrick Trophy candidate and 1,507-yard rusher who accounted for 19 touchdowns, senior tailback Ryan Largay appears to be just the guy to step in for Buddy Nickerson.

Although Nickerson may have been more durable, Largay is blessed with more speed. He hits the holes fast and blasts through gaps before they can close on him.

Another key hole being filled is the one Chris Bombardier left at quarterback. Multi-sport standout Zak Ray will take the reins of the Rams’ offense. Like the tailback changeover, this one will also involve differing strengths as Ray has more elusiveness and scrambling ability than the mobile Bombardier, but is not as powerful a passer.

The Rams will still use the power-I formation on offense and 5-2 defensive alignment, but the team motto has changed from “You win not by chance, but by preparation” to “We’re as Solid as it Gets.”

Are the Rams feeling the pressure that comes with being a defending champion?

“I don’t feel the pressure. We just work day by day,” said Hackett. “Talk to me again in three weeks and maybe that’ll change. You never know.”

Most of the players – certainly the veterans – know it won’t be any easier the second time around.

“I know the coaches have told us all week that we may as well just paint bullseyes on our chests because we’re a big target for everyone in the league,” said senior guard-defensive end Steve Fergerson, another captain.

Senior fullback-linebacker Robert Flynn is wary of teammates, especially younger ones, thinking they’re just going to waltz through the Pine Tree Conference.

“The only problem we have is I think some of us might think we already have a gold ball and it’s just not what we need,” said the captain. “When we played Cony [in a preseason scrimmage], it just didn’t seem like we were really in it. We thought we were gonna beat them really badly. We can’t go into a game and think we need to just show up.”

Center-defensive tackle and senior captain Conor Stephens learned his lesson last year when winless Gardiner gave the Rams all they could handle before Bangor prevailed 21-6.

“We know that and coaches are reminding us all the time that every team is going to be looking out for us,” said Stephens. “Even teams we normally wouldn’t expect to be as much of a challenge are going to be trying to get Bangor, even if they only have one goal in the whole season.”

BANGOR RAMS

2001 results: 12-0, Class A state champions

Head coach: Mark Hackett, 2nd year

Key players: Zak Ray, QB-FS, Sr.; Ryan Largay, TB, Sr.; Robert Flynn, FB-LB, Sr.; Nick Achorn, PK, Sr.; Steve Fergerson, OG-DE, Sr.; Conor Stephens, C-DT, Sr.; Danny Day, OT-DT, Jr.; P.J. Dowe, TE-DE, Jr.; Tyler Heber, RB-CB, Jr.; Mike Prentiss, SE-CB, Jr.; Trevor Lagrange, OT-DT, Jr.; Joe Blier, SS, Sr.,

Outlook: The Rams may be even deeper and more experienced overall than at this time last year. The key part of their schedule comes in September as they face contender Skowhegan at home, Gardiner and Mt. Blue of Farmington on the road, and Lewiston at home. The key could be how Ray and Largay fill big vacancies in the offensive lineup.