ROCKLAND – In 2003, the Rockland Tigers accomplished something they hadn’t accomplished since the Reagan administration in 1988: a winning season.

Last year, the Tigers finished fifth in the Class C LTC with a 5-4 mark, and return many starters from that team. However, Rockland (a Class B-size school) is still ineligible for postseason play this year.

That senior leadership could be valuable in bettering last year’s mark, according to fourth-year head coach Daryle Weiss.

“The experience of those seniors being part of a winning season last year will help, along with the time they put in lifting and playing other sports [in the offseason],” he said.

Weiss is setting goals for his team with an emphasis on work ethic.

“Our goal is just to go and play the way we prepare,” he said. “If we prepare all week, we’ll play well. It’s about working on the game plan all week and executing it on Friday night, letting the chips fall where they may.

“There’s always room to improve, and that’s what we’re looking for.”

Rockland’s wishbone-style offense could challenge many defenses. Senior halfback Chris Sawyer leads a talented backfield along with sophomore fullbacks Josh Elwell and Mike Marsh. Handing the ball to them will be senior quarterback-cornerback Wade Oliver.

“We just want to run the ball and wear down the defense,” Weiss said. “We just let the offensive line power it and run them [opposing defenses] down.”

Creating holes for this running attack will be senior tackle Paul Curtis along with his junior brother Dan, a guard. Josh Fogg Jr. will add blocking strength at tight end.

On defense, the Tigers will employ a 5-2 base with an occasional 5-2 monster cover two, which is similar to a 5-3. Six-foot-4, 340-pound junior offensive-defensive tackle Clint Dodge will look to plug up the middle.

Rockland’s regular-season slate opens with a pair of home dates with the Stearns Minutemen of Millinocket and the Bucksport Golden Bucks before traveling to Lincoln to face the Mattanawcook Academy Lynx.

ROCKLAND TIGERS

2003 Results: 5-4, fifth in LTC Class C

Head coach: Daryle Weiss, 4th year

Key Players: Wade Oliver, WR-CB, Sr.; Chris Sawyer, RB-LB, Sr.; Steve McGuire, WR-LB, Sr.; Paul Curtis, OT-DT, Sr.; Dan Curtis, OG-MLB, Jr.; Clint Dodge, OT-DT, Jr.; Josh Fogg, TE-SS, Jr.; John Coppola, QB-LB, Jr.

Outlook: Although they are ineligible for the playoffs, the Tigers could be a very dangerous team in LTC Class C. With a running-style offense, Rockland will try to control the line of scrimmage and control the time of possession.