LINCOLN – Last season, a veteran Mattanawcook Academy team made its fifth straight postseason appearance.

With 17 of 22 starters graduating from last year’s 6-4 team, it will be a whole new group of Lynx that will try and secure the program’s sixth straight playoff berth in 2003.

“The numbers are great; the enthusiasm is great,” second-year coach Mike Carney said of his 48-player squad. “The only thing we’re lacking is experience.”

Among the returning starters are senior running back Tyler Gardner (141 carries, 829 yards, 7 touchdowns; 7 catches, 124 yards) and junior quarterback Dustin Hanscom (81-for-175, 1,854 yards, 18 touchdowns, 10 interceptions), who were both named second team LTC all-stars last season.

Junior Mackenzie Haines will start at fullback, where he saw some time last season, and sophomore Jason Murchison (tailback) has been impressive during preseason work, Carney said.

They will be performing behind a new offensive line, as only junior tackle Matt Morin returns from last year. He will be joined by senior Nick Ireland, who makes the move to tight end from wide receiver to provide some leadership up front.

Among those who could be part of the offensive line is junior Nate Brown, according to the coach.

The Lynx were also hard hit on defense, as Gardner (safety) and Ireland (cornerback) are the only returning starters. Haines will step in at a linebacker spot, Carney said.

Though the Lynx don’t have a lot of varsity experience, there is no lack of enthusiasm, according to Carney.

“We’re not giving up yet,” he said. “This year, we’re kind of putting money in the bank. We’re building enthusiasm. Our immediate goal is to get better on every play.”

MATTANAWCOOK ACADEMY LYNX

2002 results: 6-4, lost to Bucksport in “C” semifinals

Head coach: Mike Carney, 2nd year

Key players: Tyler Gardner, RB-S, Sr.; Dustin Hanscom, QB, Sr.; Nick Ireland, TE-DB; Sr.; Mackenzie Haines, FB-LB, Jr.; Matt Morin, OG, Sr.

Outlook: This will be one of the youngest Lynx teams in terms of varsity experience in recent years, as 14 seniors graduated from the 2002 team, leaving open several starting positions. Should the new starters gel quickly, the Lynx could be a playoff contender.