PITTSFIELD – Last year, Maine Central Institute of Pittsfield lost to Winthrop 22-0 in the State Class C championship game. Coach Bill Cowan said he knows why.

“Speed. That was where we were weak a year ago. Winthrop was just too fast,” he said.

But speed won’t be a problem for the Huskies this year. First of all, topflight runners Tom Twombly and Mike Broccio are back. Beyond that, Cowan has received an influx of fast athletes from last year’s undefeated junior varsity squad.

Senior tailback and defensive back Twombly rushed for more than 1,400 yards last year, averaging 13.8 yards per carry. Cowan said his players had 13 runs of 60 yards or more.

Junior fullback and inside linebacker Broccio amassed more than 650 yards as a backup on offense. This year, Cowan expects him to get 12-14 carries per game.

“He would have started both ways for any other team [in the league last year]. … He’s a big-time player. With the right work he can maybe play in a Division I school,” Cowan said.

Cowan said that he will be starting six sophomores on one side of the ball or the other. He hopes they can make up for their lack of experience on varsity with their athleticism.

“These kids can step in and play. … We’re much more athletic than a year ago,” he said.

Among the most promising of the speedy sophs are tailback and outside linebacker Kevin Williams and center-outside linebacker Tyler Richardson.

Twombly said the team’s speed, coupled with a high level of fitness, has been noticeable in the preseason.

“It’s like regular practice because everyone is in shape [already],” he said.

But even if the Huskies have made up for one of last year’s weaknesses, they have lost one of their greatest strengths. Last year Cowan had three 300-pound offensive linemen. This year’s line, he admits, is a bit scaled down in size.

“I laugh and tell the other coaches we’re gonna be Air Cowan this year. … We’re gonna have to throw [because the line is smaller],” Cowan said.

The starting quarterback position has not been determined yet.

Junior Tyson Quint, who quarterbacked the Huskies on PATs a year ago, gives Cowan one good option.

Sophomore Ryan Bennett is also challenging for the job. Bennett is the younger brother of the graduated Chad Bennett, the Huskies’ quarterback last year.

Ryan Bennett is only 5-foot-7 and 145 pounds, but Cowan is impressed with his skills.

“None of the sophomore [quarterbacks in the league] are any better than Ryan,” he said.

Senior defensive back and wide receiver Dan Gibson said that last year’s success will keep the team motivated.

“I’d never been a part of anything like it,” he said.

Broccio added that the Huskies’ won’t get caught up in the pressure of trying to repeat as Eastern Maine champions.

“If we play well and still lose, we’ll still have a good time,” he said.

MCI HUSKIES

2000 results: 10-2, state Class C runners-up

Head coach: Bill Cowan, 2nd year

Key players: Tom Twombly, TB-DB, Sr.; Mike Broccio, FB-LB, Jr.; Tyson Quint, QB, Jr.; Derek Saunders, LB, Sr.; Brian Wintle, OT, Sr.; Dan Gibson, DB-WR, Sr.; Ryan Bennett, QB, So.; Kevin Williams, TB-LB, So.; Tyler Richardson, C-LB, So.

Outlook: The Huskies graduated 14, including nine starters, from last year’s team. With only six seniors this year, MCI will lack depth and experience. The Huskies also have a tough schedule, with Foxcroft, Bucksport, and Dexter twice.