After finishing 3-6 last season, the Orono Red Riots are looking to take the next step on their way back to football prominence, according to coach Wally Covell.

“Orono’s been down awhile,” Covell said. “We’re gradually coming back. We hope to make the next step – have a winning season and be a playoff team.”

Helping the Riots make that next step is senior quarterback Jason Coleman, a transfer from Georgia.

“He has a very good arm,” Covell said. “He has one thing you can’t teach. He’s able to see the open receiver and get the ball to them.”

Coleman will be throwing to receivers Brandon Silk and Jeff Miller, along with tight end John Saucier. Also, running backs Lance Cowan (last year’s starting quarterback) and Nick Dwyer, along with fullback Ryan Levesque, are receiving threats, according to the coach.

Having a good passing game could also help Cowan, Dwyer, and Levesque find more running room this year, Covell said.

“A year ago, we couldn’t really throw and a whole lot of people were jamming the line of scrimmage,” Covell said. “This year, we hope to throw and open up the running game.”

The offensive line is a veteran group, led by tackles Nick Lagrande (junior) and Ben Erker (senior), guards Ryan Proulx (sophomore), Michah Michaud (sophomore), and Phil Gillette (junior), and center Kyle Spinney (senior).

Defensively, the Red Riots use a 4-3 alignment with sophomore Ryan Thibodeau and Saucier as defensive ends, Gillette and Proulx as linebackers, and Lagrande at defensive tackle. Levesque and Erker will also see a lot of time on defense for Orono.

Cowan will anchor one cornerback post, while Dwyer and Silk are the safeties. The other starting cornerback had yet to be determined, according to the coach.

Covell said there were a little more than 30 players on the roster this year, an increase of at least 10 from last season, giving the Red Riots depth in some areas.

The Riots must stay healthy through the season, have the line play well, and be able to execute to have a chance at earning a playoff berth, the coach said.

“And, as always, you’ve got to have a few breaks,” he added.

ORONO RED RIOTS

2001 results: 3-6 in LTC Class C

Head coach: Wally Covell, third year

Key players: Jason Coleman, QB, Sr.; Brandon Silk, WR-S, Sr.; Lance Cowan, RB-CB, Jr.; John Saucier, TE-DE, Sr.; Ryan Levesque, FB-LB, Jr.; Ben Erker, T-LB, Sr.; Nick Lagrande, OT-DT, Jr.; Ryan Proulx, G-LB, So.; Phil Gillette, G-LB, Jr.; Nick Dwyer, RB-S, Sr.; Micah Michaud, G, So.

Outlook: The Riots will need consistent line play. Although a veteran group, there isn’t much line depth, meaning Orono can ill afford any injuries there. Also, with a roster of about 30 players, the Riots will have to guard against fatigue with many key players starting on both sides of the ball.