MILLINOCKET – During each of the last two seasons, the Stearns Minutemen have started their season with three losses, then recovered to win five of their last six to make the playoffs, only to lose to Foxcroft Academy in a road semifinal playoff game.

This year, Stearns coach Chris Preble is looking not to have to rely on such late-season heroics to return to the Eastern Maine Class C playoffs.

“I hope we can start out a little bit better than we have,” he said. “The kids are definitely ready. We definitely hope to go a little further.”

It will be a veteran Minuteman squad that will look to build on the program’s record of success.

On offense, the team will be led by senior quarterback Derek DiFrederico (36-for-77, 687 yards, 5 touchdown, 5 interceptions; 70 carries, 570 yards, 4 touchdowns). He gives Stearns a credible passing and running threat in the backfield.

“He really understands the offense,” Preble said.

Two of his main pass receiving targets will be senior split end Tyler Pelkey and tight end Matt Legassey (3 catches, 73 yards, 1 touchdown).

Seniors Dustin Pelletier, Nick Sindo, Aaron Jandreau, and Jack Panasci will anchor the offensive line.

Stearns will also be strong on defense, with seven returning starters and three other players who saw significant playing time last season, Preble said.

“We’re really stressing getting people around the football,” he said. “We want all 11 people around the football at all times.”

Pelletier, Aaron Jandreau, Panasci, and Rick Kaul will be among those seeing time at defensive tackle, while DiFrederico and Matt Barnett started as linebackers last season.

Senior Dallas Marquis, Pelkey, junior Matt Wark and Craig Jandreau will anchor the defensive backfield, while senior Joe Manzo, who started every game last season at defensive back, is unable to play after a kidney problem, the coach said.

STEARNS MINUTEMEN

2002 record: 5-5, lost to Foxcroft in “C” semifinals

Head coach: Chris Preble, third year.

Key players: Derek DiFrederico, QB-LB, Sr.; Dustin Pelletier, OL-DT, Sr.; Jack Panasci, OL-DT, Sr.; Tyler Pelkey, SE-DT, Sr.; Aaron Jandreau, OL-DT, Sr.; Matt Legassey, TE, Sr.; Matt Wark, DB, Jr.; Dallas Marquis, DB, Sr.; Nick Sindo, C, Sr.; Rick Kaul, DT, Jr.; Craig Cullen, OL, Sr.

Outlook: A veteran Minuteman squad once again sets its sights on postseason. The team will use a 4-4 defensive front and has some good offensive threats to keep opponents on their toes. The Minutemen seem to have a better grasp of what the coaches expect on both sides of the ball, according to Preble.