FAIRFIELD – Some big changes are in store for Lawrence football this year.

The biggest change, according to third-year coach Scott Walker, is the switch in offensive strategy.

“We’ve been a power-I team for some years,” Walker said. “We’re making the change to the triple option. That’s a drastic change.”

So far, the Bulldogs have managed to adapt to the triple option, the coach said.

“It’s certainly a long process,” Walker said.

Among those looking to run the new offensive scheme are senior quarterback Garrett Parker and senior fullbacks Craig Young and Kurt Lawyerson, while seniors Kevin Worth and Craig Nadeau and junior Ryan McKeen lead the offensive line.

Leading the way for the Bulldog defense are senior defensive back Richard Flynn, junior linebacker Mike Auclair, McKeen (defensive line), Young (secondary), and Lawyerson (linebacker).

Sophomores Aaron Champagne (quarterback-defensive back) and David Wallace (fullback-linebacker) could see time this season, Walker said. They are two of 28 sophomores on the team this year out of the more than 50 players listed on the varsity roster.

Also, junior Andrew Ashland (running back-kicker-punter) could see varsity minutes this season, according to Walker.

Although a young team, many players saw some significant playing time last season after some varsity players were dismissed from the team for violating school policy.

“Many underclassmen got some valuable experience,” Walker said. “Now, they’re one year older.”

The Bulldogs finished 2-6 last season and missed the playoffs. The Pine Tree Conference is usually strong and this year is no exception, according to Walker.

“We’re in a strong conference,” he said. “We hope to compete in the league the best that we can. We hope to be better at the end of the year than the beginning.”

Walker said he’s been happy with Lawrence’s preseason work to date.

“I’m very pleased with the effort the kids are making,” he said. “The thing we’re harping on is to get better every day.”

LAWRENCE BULLDOGS

2003 record: 2-6, 7th in PTC Class A North

Head coach: Scott Walker, 3rd year

Key players: Craig Young, FB-LB, Sr.; Craig Nadeau, OL-LB, Sr.; Kurt Lawyerson, FB-LB, Sr.; Ryan McKeen, OL-DL, Jr.; Garret Parker, QB, Sr.; Kevin Worth, OL, Sr.; Richard Flynn, DB, Sr.; Mike Auclair, LB, Jr.; Aaron Champagne, So., QB-DB; David Wallace, So., FB-LB; Andrew Ashland, RB-K-P, Jr.

Outlook: The Bulldogs took their lumps in 2003, but ended up getting some underclassmen game experience in trying circumstances. That experience will help the Bulldogs in the always-tough Pine Tree Conference. There are 82 players (grades 9-12) at Lawrence this season, including 28 sophomores, so the future looks bright for the program.