OAKLAND – When you start a season reeling off four consecutive victories in an eight-game season, that’s usually a recipe for a playoff spot at the worst.

However, sometimes, adversity creeps up when you least expect it.

For the Messalonskee High School football team, that was the case last season.

The Eagles started 4-0, then, while plagued by injuries, lost their final four games of the season.

According to fifth-year head coach Wes Littlefield, the Eagles are eager to start competing.

“I think that our kids are looking forward to a real good year, they know they can compete, so we’ll see what happens,” he said.

The Eagles are deep in the backfield, and feature senior wingbacks Nick Ouellette and Garrett Moser, fullback David Hash and tailback Matt Natoly, both juniors, and senior quarterback Luke Thomas.

That is no surprise, as Messalonskee led the PTC in rushing last year.

“We like to run the football, we want to punch you right in the mouth with it,” Littlefield said. “We don’t fool anyone with it, we take what you give us.”

The Eagles will use a variety of spread formations, primarily a double wing, steering away from the straight-I they’ve used in years past.

“We used to be an I-team, we like to run power football but don’t mind spreading it out and throwing the ball either,” Littlefield said.

Unlike many speed-oriented teams, the Eagles like to keep things simple and pick up the tough yards inside.

“We like to go between the tackles, we have only a few things we really like to hit the outside with if the defense is giving it to us,” said Littlefield.

Littlefield added that he hopes the carries will be split between Natoly, Ouellette and Hash.

“We’re hoping those three [can] dominate offensively,” the coach said.

Many of Messalonskee’s speedy offensive players, such as Ouellette (outside linebacker) and Mosher (defensive back) will lead the defense.

“We have a lot of speed, so we’ll try to chase people as much as we can,” Littlefield said. “We have to keep people in front of us, and just play tough, hard-nosed defense.”

Having played for and coached under longtime Winslow boss Mike Siviski, Littlefield has learned a lot from not only Siviski, but from Winslow assistant Jim Poulin.

“Jimmy Poulin is like a father to me,” Littlefield said. “It’s always a good time to compete against those type of coaches,” added Littlefield, whose team played an exhibition game against the Black Raiders recently.

MESSALONSKEE EAGLES

2005 results: 4-4, 7th in PTC

Head coach: Wes Littlefield, fifth year

Key players: Luke Thomas, QB, Sr.; Nick Ouellette, WB-OLB, Sr.; Garrett Mosher, WB-DB, Sr.; David Hash, FB-LB, Jr.; Matt Natoly, TB-LB, Sr.; Mike Veilleux, OT-DT, Sr.; Ryan Doucette, OT-DT, Sr.; Justin Graham, OG-DT, Jr.; Jeb Butler, C-DL, Sr.; Nick Felanson, TE-S, Sr.; Tom Suttie, WB-CB, Sr.

Outlook: The Eagles are hoping to make a playoff run this fall, which will be a tough task in the competitive Pine Tree Conference. Messalonskee has a lot of depth in its backfield, but with only 33 players out, the Eagles must stay healthy.