Lawrence High School graduated 19 seniors off last year’s team. Ordinarily, that might be cause for concern.

However, the Bulldogs of Fairfield also are coming off an undefeated 11-0 season that culminated in the Class A state championship.

Coach John Hersom hopes some of that momentum will carry over as a group of 10 starters (five on each side of the ball) tries to keep Lawrence among the leaders of the Pine Tree Conference Class A ranks in 2007.

“Even if it wasn’t as realistic as it might be, with the number of kids coming back, they want to defend and they want to stay on top,” said Hersom, whose team will focus on short-term goals rather than look too far ahead.

The program has compiled an impressive 17-2 record over the last two seasons behind a stingy defense and a speedy offense. Re-establishing a stout defense is a key to the Bulldogs’ fortunes.

“We’ve got quite a few shoes to fill in our defense this year due to graduation,” Hersom said. “It’s been kind of a slow process for us.”

Lawrence is building around a secondary that includes a returning starter in free safety John Flynn and cornerbacks Devon Costigan and Brock Lawrence.

The Bulldogs have moved personnel around to shore up their linebacker corps. It is led by converted end Shawn Champagne, along with Tyler Ashland.

Up front, Nick Lee is back at one end while Isaiah Underwood will fill the spot vacated by Champagne. Veteran Kyle McKeen anchors the down linemen and Hersom hopes to take advantage of 6-foot-5, 320-pounder Daven Giroux.

Lawrence has some key pieces back on the offensive side. Jack Hersom, the coach’s son, will again direct the offense.

“We’re going to look to have him more involved as a thrower this year and get our pass game going,” coach Hersom said. “I think one of our strengths is our quarterback play.”

The receivers are led by split end Nick Nelson.

Champagne, who rushed for 500-plus yards a year ago, will become the primary ballcarrier.

“We’re kind of looking him to lead the way for us as far as our running back crew goes,” Hersom said.

Fullback Underwood and halfback Flynn should give the Bulldogs other options as runners and receivers, as will Costigan.

Tom Kent and McKeen return on the left side of the line, but the three other spots will be filled by newcomers.

“All these kids are going to need to develop,” Hersom said of the line group.

Hersom and the Bulldogs know they have a bull’s-eye on their backs.

“We’re pretty happy with the way things are going,” he said. “We’re looking forward to the season, and I’m sure a lot of teams are looking forward to playing us.”

LAWRENCE BULLDOGS

2007 results: 11-0, Class A state champions

Head coach: John Hersom, 3rd year

Key players: Shawn Champagne, HB-LB, Sr.; Jack Hersom, QB-S, Sr.; John Flynn, HB-FS, Sr.; Isaiah Underwood, FB-DE, Sr.; Nick Lee, TE-DE, Sr.; Kyle McKeen, OG-DT, Sr.; Tom Kent, OT-DT, Jr.; Nick Nelson, WR, Sr.; Devon Costigan, RB-CB, Sr.; Daven Giroux, OT-DT, Jr.; Brock Lawrence, RB-CB, Jr.

Outlook: The Bulldogs clearly have a lot of spots to fill after heavy graduation losses. Even so, Lawrence has been the dominant team in the PTC North the last two seasons and has momentum in its favor. Continued improvement over the course of the season could again put the ‘Dogs in the thick of the PTC title chase.