When you’re a three-time defending regional champion and defending state champ, it’s safe to say expectations will be running high for your program.

That’s certainly the case with Foxcroft Academy’s varsity football team as they try to follow up an unbeaten season with a fourth straight appearance in the Class C state championship game and sixth over the last seven years.

The Ponies aren’t quite as deep or experienced as last year’s team, but with 55 players out for the team this fall, just 14 of them freshmen, nobody’s going to shed many tears for head coach Paul Withee.

“We’re still playing a lot of seniors still with 14 back, and they may not be starters, but they’re experienced in terms of special teams and game time,” Withee said. “We have experience, but we’re not as experienced as last year’s team.

“We like our chances, but we know it won’t be an easy task.”

What will make it easier is the presence of several proven standouts such as LTC first team all-conference pick Andrew Larson, a senior left tackle and defensive tackle; second-team pick Stetson Bowden, a senior wide receiver and safety; second-team pick Wade Witham, a senior fullback and linebacker; and second- team selection Daniel Moriarty, a senior right tackle and defensive end.

The Ponies return six starters on offense, which will be run out of an open set featuring two receivers and two wingbacks, and four on defense, which is employing a 4-3 front.

With four seniors and one junior on an offensive line that averages 257 pounds per lineman, there shouldn’t be too much of a dropoff up front.

Junior halfback and linebacker/safety Ian Champeon, who is one of the LTC’s premier runners, should be the prime beneficiary of that massive line.

“I think this could be more of a power team than we had last year,” Withee said. “This year we’ll be going back to a system where we put the ball in the hands of the good athletes and use them all over the place while playing power football at the same time.”

Withee has been happy with the progress he has seen during the two weeks of preseason practice and scrimmages. He’s confident the Ponies can make their seventh straight playoff appearance and 12th over the last 15 years.

“I think the kids we have are very good athletes, and maybe more importantly, I think they realize how hard you have to work to get back there and win a state game,” Withee said.

FOXCROFT ACADEMY PONIES

2007 results: 12-0, Class C state champions

Head coach: Paul Withee, 19th year

Key players: Andrew Larson, LT-DT, Sr.; Stetson Bowden, WR-S; Sr.; Jamie Nason, QB, Sr.; Wade Witham, FB-LB, Sr.; Daniel Moriarty, RT-DE, Sr.; Ian Champeon, LHB-LB/S, Jr.; Chase Hutchinson, RHB-CB, Jr.; Robbie Harmon, RHB-DB, Jr.; Ryan Olmstead, RG-LB, Jr.; Anthony Slama, C-DT, Sr.; Connor Paydos, LG-DE;, Sr.; Josh Conroy, LB-WR, Sr.

Outlook: The Ponies lost a lot of talent, but still appear primed for a fourth straight trip to the state championship game. This team won’t be as deep as last year’s, but many Class C teams aren’t as deep as last year’s. The presence of 14 seniors and several all-conference players will certainly ease the transition and position the Ponies for yet another playoff run.