Last year’s low turnout forced Waterville football coach Frank Knight to start some players who probably would have benefited from more playing time at the junior varsity level.

The Panthers’ numbers aren’t much better this year, and there will be plenty of youngsters in the starting lineup. But the Waterville team is seasoned, and that’s difference this year. The Panthers return six starters on both sides of the ball.

“A lot of these kids had to play as sophomores,” Knight said. “Now that’s paying off for us.”

Seniors Anthony Jabar and Brian Tormollan will key an offense that will look a bit different this year.

“At Waterville, we’ve kind of been known for the wing-T,” Knight said. “This year we’re going to try a one-back formation.”

Jabar will get the start at halfback, while Tormollan will be a utility back.

“He’ll be like a fullback, but he’ll catch some balls,” Knight said. “That’s going to be a big key for us. Jabar’s durability, Tormollan’s athleticism. [The opposition] will have to respect the pass and Jabar.”

Junior Tyler Malone will back up Jabar.

Junior quarterback Kevin Scott, the younger brother of former University of Maine quarterback Brian Scott, will start for the second year in a row. Junior Nate Lancaster will back up Scott.

There’s experience at wide receiver, too, as second-team All-PTC wideout Andrew Livingston returns for his senior year. He’ll also handle punting and field goals. Knight said he has a range of about 25 yards, which gives the Panthers yet another option on offense. Junior split end Nick Stone also returns.

The offensive and defensive lines will be small – averaging about 6-foot-1, 215 pounds – but experienced. Seniors Nick Champagne, Jason Stetson, and Nick Roy will start, as will junior Jon Hart, a three-year starter and All-PTC honorable mention. Center Sam Bernhardt is also a three-year starter and senior captain.

The 5-2 defense will stay the same for the most part with a few subtle differences.

“It’s going to be disguised with more stunting. We’re not going to sit there,” Knight said.

The Panthers have a host of linebackers and defensive backs. Hart and Barret Moore will be the inside linebackers with Tormollan and Champagne at outside linebacker. Defensive backs include Jabar, Livingston, freshman Dan Hussey, Malone, and sophomore Mike Bernhardt, who is Sam Bernhardt’s brother.

Another key for the relatively small squad of 53, including freshmen? Avoiding injuries.

“We started the year healthy and we hope to remain so,” Knight said.

WATERVILLE PANTHERS

2003 results: 2-6, fifth in PTC Class A North

Head coach: Frank Knight, 15th season

Key players: Anthony Jabar, HB-FS, Jr.; Kevin Scott, QB, Jr.; Brian Tormollan, HB-utility back-OLB, Sr.; Barret Moore, TE-ILB, Jr.; Finley Allen, TE-DE, Jr.; Samuel Bernhardt, C-DE, Sr.; Nick Champagne, OG-OLB, Sr.; Jason Stetson, OT-NG, Sr., Nick Roy, OL-DT, Sr.; Jon Hart, OT-ILB, Jr.; Andrew Livingston, WR-K-CB, Sr.

Outlook: Knight is thinking playoffs in a year when some PTC teams lost players to graduation. Freshman quarterbacks are rare in Class A but watch for Dan Hussey to get time at that position – Knight says he’s not your average freshman quarterback. He’ll also play DB. This could be Waterville’s last season in Class A – the Panthers’ enrollment (620) puts them in Class B and there’s a chance the school will stop petitioning up to the bigger classification.