After starting the season 1-4 a year ago, the Skowhegan Indians made the kind of turnaround coaches always say is possible.

They ran off five straight wins. They advanced to the Pine Tree Conference championship. And they took a two-touchdown lead into the third quarter against the team that would win a state title a week later.

After that, things got a bit messy: Bangor scored 35 points in the fourth quarter en route to a 49-21 win.

Still, Skowhegan coach Bob LeCours says the lessons learned during that campaign continue to serve his team well.

“It’s the attitude,” LeCours said. “It’s understanding that if we pull together, we can get some things accomplished.”

And with last year’s late-season run as a motivator, LeCours said this year’s team believes anything is possible.

“Coming into the camp this fall, the kids are sensing it,” LeCours said. “That’s a big point for us. And our attitude this year has been phenomenal.”

LeCours has 59 sophomores, juniors, and seniors in camp, and he said he expects the Indians to fare well.

“Right now, knock on wood, we’ve picked up from the way we left off,” he said, pointing out that the losses from last year were significant: 14 seniors graduated, including nine who played significant roles.

A question mark for this year’s team: finding a way to replace the output of graduated quarterback B.J. Dunlap, a polished drop-back passer who was an All-PTC first-teamer a year ago.

The answer: gritty senior Brandon Hamilton. LeCours said Hamilton won’t do things the same way Dunlap did, but he has confidence in his signal-caller.

“He’s the state wrestling champion in his weight class, and he brings a different look to our offense,” LeCours said. “Whereas B.J. was a dropback passer, the technician, Brandon is the tough-nosed kid who is always looking to stick his nose in and get an extra yard.”

Hamilton will take the reins of a potent attack, as the rest of the backfield returns intact.

Senior fullback Josh Meyer will join wingback Deven West and a pair of talented halfbacks – juniors Zach Davis and Jared Walker are vying for the slot – as the ground threats.

On defense, LeCours said he’ll rely plenty on junior linebacker Nate Goff.

“Probably our biggest success story [last year] was Nate Goff,” LeCours said. “Last year he was a 145-pound middle linebacker, and he really came on strong. This year he’s up to a whopping 165 pounds.”

Seniors Jacoby Johnson, Chad Flannery, Derek True, and Bryan Lancaster will anchor the line play, while Kyle Poissonnier and West will play key roles in the defensive backfield. Aaron Gray will also be a standout at outside linebacker.

LeCours admitted that there comes a point where last year’s positives can’t carry a team. This year’s successes – or failures – will depend on the players who suit up every day.

“With every new year of high school football comes a whole new attitude and a whole new look,” LeCours said. “It’s that senior class that needs to set that tempo.”

SKOWHEGAN INDIANS

2001 results: 6-5, lost in PTC final

Head coach: Bob LeCours, 5th year

Key players: Brandon Hamilton, QB-FS, Sr.; Josh Meyer, FB, Sr.; Jacoby Johnson, C-DT, Sr.; Chad Flannery, RG-DE, Sr.; Bryan Lancaster, TE-DE, Sr.; Kyle Poissonnier, CB-SE, Sr.; Deven West, CB, Sr.; Nate Goff, MLB, Jr.; Derek True, DE-LT, Sr.; Aaron Gray, OLB, Sr.; Jared Walker, HB, Jr.; Zach Davis, HB, Jr.

Outlook: The Indians started 1-4 last year, then reeled off five straight wins before losing to eventual state champion Bangor in a wild PTC championship game. That late-season surge could continue to pay dividends: The veterans now know what can happen if they persevere when things get tough. Filling the void left by QB B.J. Dunlap will be key.