The wing-T offense is preparing to take flight again this season in Skowhegan.

And with “Captain” B.J. Dunlap at the controls, the Indians are hoping to put some points on the scoreboard in the Northeast Division of the revamped Pine Tree Conference.

Dunlap is one of several seniors looking to help the Skowhegan High football team earn a postseason berth. Coach Bob LeCours’ Indians, joined in the Northeast by Bangor, Mt. Blue of Farmington, Waterville, Lawrence of Fairfield, and Messalonskee of Oakland, are hoping to earn one of the four playoff spots up for grabs.

Dunlap returns after a junior season during which he led the PTC with 1,159 passing yards and 10 touchdowns. He completed 93 of 194 throws (.479).

“No doubt, B.J. Dunlap is the heart and soul of our offense,” LeCours said. “He’s a thrower, but most importantly, he’s a thinker.”

He’ll be the key cog in a unit that must replace its entire backfield, a standout wide receiver, and four offensive linemen. Rugged halfback Jared Walker, fullback Josh Meyer, and wingback Jason Bird, a converted tight end, are among a handful of players competing for playing time in the backfield.

“At halfback, we don’t have a player who’s had a varsity carry,” LeCours said.

Dunlap, who’ll handle Skowhegan’s punting and place-kicking, will not play defense. He’ll throw to the likes of seniors Cole Quirion, who made 12 catches in 2000, and Eric Carey.

Up front, senior starter Ryan Frederick has moved from center to tackle. Classmates Pat Perrault and Ed Goff step in at guard and tackle, respectively. All three also are expected to play on the defensive line.

LeCours is pleased with the continued progress made by a committed group of 13 seniors who’ll be leading the way.

“In this league, and in our program, the seniors are much better prepared to be playing as far as the mental and physical aspects,” he said.

Juniors Jacoby Johnson and Chad Flannery, two first-time regulars in the line, likely will play both ways.

Former Messalonskee assistant Mike Marston has joined the Indians staff as the defensive coordinator. He’ll implement an aggressive Virginia Tech-style defense that puts pressure on opposing offenses.

“I think it fits our kids very well as far as quickness and speed,” LeCours said.

Among the defensive mainstays are linemen Frederick, Perrault, Johnson, and Flannery, outside linebacker Bird, cornerback Carey, free safety Quirion, and linebacker Meyer.

SKOWHEGAN INDIANS

2000 results: 3-5, 7th in PTC

Head coach: Bob LeCours, 4th year

Key players: B.J. Dunlap, QB, Sr.; Jason Bird, WB-OLB, Sr.; Cole Quirion, Sr., SE-FS; Ryan Frederick, OT-DE, Sr.; Jacoby Johnson, OC-DT, Jr.; Pat Perrault, OG-DE, Sr.; Eric Carey, SE-CB, Sr.; Ed Goff, OT-DE, Sr.; Jared Walker, HB-LB, Soph.; Josh Meyer, FB-LB, Jr.; Chad Flannery, OG-DT, Jr.

Outlook: The Indians will again try to make a run at the playoffs in the always-tough PTC. Skowhegan is banking on its senior leadership to help work through any transitional rough spots. While the team features a prolific passer in Dunlap, the development of its rebuilt offensive line, backfield, and receiver corps are keys. A new defensive philosophy also should help a smallish team better utilize its speed and quickness. Indians should remain competitive.