MILLINOCKET — For many years, Stearns has been one of the top football programs in the state.

Under the direction of coaches Art Greenlaw, Dave Evans, Tom Bertrand and Chris Preble, the Minutemen have been annual championship contenders over the past 15 to 20 years while establishing a tradition of excellence.

For the first time in “quite a while,” according to coach Chris Preble, Stearns did not participate in the LTC “C” playoffs last season, finishing with a 1-8 record.

A team of 27 players will need to learn quickly to propel Stearns back into the playoff mix, Preble said.

“We’ve got some kids who got experience last year,” he said. “We have a lot of kids learning new positions.”

The low numbers on the football team this season mirror the decreasing enrollment trend at Stearns in the past few years as the work force at the paper mill also decreased drastically.

“It’s kind of a sign of the times,” Preble said.

Leading the way on offense are junior quarterback Jordan Burleigh and junior running back Gene Kim.

Seniors Shawn Picard, Jon Campbell and Travis McGreevey anchor the offensive line.

On defense, many of the same names will be expected to play key roles for the Minutemen.

Picard will lead the way as a defensive lineman, with juniors Josh Saucier and Luke Stahl starting at defensive end. Kim and Campbell lead the linebacking corps, while Burleigh will start at one cornerback spot.

With a small roster, there will be opportunity for plenty of playing time, according to Preble.

“We’re going to play a lot of football,” he said. “They’ll be expected to do a lot.”

STEARNS MINUTEMEN

2004 results: 1-8

Head coach: Chris Preble, fifth year

Key players: Jordan Burleigh, QB-CB, Jr.; Gene Kim, RB-LB, Jr.; Jon Campbell, OL-LB, Sr.; Shawn Picard, OL-DL, Sr.; Travis McGreevey, Sr., OL; Josh Saucier, DE, Jr.; Luke Stahl, DE, Jr.

Outlook: With a small roster, staying healthy will be key for the Minutemen to have a shot at returning to the playoffs. There is a lot of inexperience on the roster this season, Preble said.