ORONO – Last year, Orono made strides in the LTC Class C ranks, finishing with a 4-5 record and a sixth-place finish in the final Crabtree point standings.

This year, the Red Riots would like to continue to move up the standings and return to postseason play.

“We have the capability of doing that,” coach Wally Covell said of his charges, which number in the 30s. “It’s no secret we have got to stay healthy when you have significantly small numbers. That’s going to be key for us to go to the playoffs.”

Although perhaps small in number, the Red Riots do return several starters on both sides of the ball.

Senior Lance Cowan, who switched to wide receiver last season, returns to quarterback the Riots this fall. His primary receiving targets will be wide receiver Adam Chase, wide receiver-tight end Craig Weatherbee, junior tight end Joe Simon (5 catches, 55 yards, 1 touchdown in 2002), and sophomore running back-wide receiver Nyasa Millard.

In the backfield, the Riots return senior fullback Ryan Levesque (86 carries, 428 yards, 5 touchdowns), sophomore running back Mardy Simon (43 carries, 279 yards, 3 touchdowns), and junior Joey Fullwood, who saw some limited duty last season.

Seniors Nick Legrande and Julian Bishop anchor the offensive line, along with juniors Micah Mishio and Ryan Prue and sophomore Colby Chase.

On defense, Bishop, Legrande, Mishio, and Joe Simon anchor the line, while Levesque, junior Chad Sanborn, and Dustin Thomas lead the Riot linebacking corps. In the backfield, Fullwood and Prue will start at safety, while Cowan and Mardy Simon are the cornerbacks.

Also, sophomore Brad Russell could see time as an offensive and defensive lineman, Covell said.

With an experienced roster, the Riots could push for a playoff spot, Covell said.

“I hope we will be kind of in that mix for the third or fourth spot,” he said. “I think we can be really competitive with Bucksport and Foxcroft [Academy].”

The veteran coach is also pleased with his team’s work during the preseason, including the leadership from senior captains Cowan and Levesque, along with Legrande.

“Senior leadership is always a help,” Covell said. “The work ethic has been good, the leadership has been good.”

ORONO RED RIOTS

2002 record: 4-5, sixth place in LTC “C”

Head coach: Wally Covell, 4th year in second stint

Key players: Lance Cowan, QB-CB, Sr.; Ryan Levesque, FB-LB, Sr.; Nick Legrande, OL-DT, Sr.; Mardy Simon, RB-CB, So.; Julian Bishop, OL-DT, Sr.; Joe Simon, TE-DE, Jr.; Ryan Prue, OL-S, Jr.; Joey Fullwood, RB-S, Jr.; Micah Mishio, OL-DE, Jr.

Outlook: The Riots look to be competitive once again this season, with several upperclassmen returning in key roles. The team is also bolstered by several sophomores who saw playing time last year. Injuries, though, could wipe out depth at key positions.