PITTSFIELD – LTC Class C features balance again this season without many teams looking beyond their weekend opponent.

The Maine Central Institute Huskies will be a young but tough force in the conference and a challenge for each team on their schedule.

Despite losing many position players to graduation, including their entire starting backfield, only two seniors on the roster, and a mere 27 players out, the Huskies could be dangerous.

According to third-year head coach Tom Bertrand, his players have lofty expectations.

“They are real competitive, and they want to show the league that they can play with every team,” he said. “They’ve got high expectations as far as committing to making the program better.”

It all starts with showing emotions on the practice field, and MCI isn’t lacking that.

“They don’t lack intensity and effort in practice,” Bertrand said. “They know if you maintain that intensity, then good things are bound to happen. You never know in Class C.”

Leading the offense will be senior wideout Marty Quint, who returns from a broken ankle he suffered in a scrimmage last year. Throwing to him will be his brother, sophomore quarterback Victor Quint.

“We’ll run out of the ‘I’ this year and try to keep things simple,” said Bertrand.

Many of Bertrand’s Huskies played on the junior varsity team that notched a .500 record last year, and that experience will be a key element.

“We knew lots of kids would have to step into the roles,” he said. “JV coach Jason Allen did lots of good things with them. They really worked hard in the offseason, and they’re doing a good job of filling those spaces.”

Clearing holes for senior running back Russell Lawn will be linemen Troy Richardson, Ryan Hayes, Michael Souliere, and Cody Hart.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Huskies will employ a 5-3.

“We’ll try to move some people around to try and make plays. We should be aggressive enough to control the line of scrimmage,” Bertrand said.

MCI will open its season on the road at defending champ Foxcroft Academy before coming home to face the Mattanawcook Academy Lynx of Lincoln.

MCI HUSKIES

2003 results: 6-4, lost in Class C semifinals

Head coach: Tom Bertrand, 3rd year

Key players: Marty Quint, WR-CB, Sr.; Victor Quint, QB-DB, So.; Russell Lawn, RB-LB, Sr.; Troy Richardson, C-DT, Jr.; Ryan Hayes, G-LB, Jr.; Tyler Judkins, TE-DE, Jr.; Cody Hart, G-DT, Jr.; Michael Souliere, T-LB, Jr.

Outlook: The young Huskies may have only one starter returning this season, but they are still potentially dangerous. Sophomore QB Victor Quint will be tossing to wideout and brother Marty Quint, and MCI may very well sneak up on some people. Staying healthy is a must, however, with only 27 players on the roster.