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NORTH ANDOVER | Despite their considerable optimism for the upcoming season, neither Matt Burckhardt nor Steve Boudreau is going to duck, side step, juke or simply avoid the question of what a daunting void has been created with Andrew Foote's graduation.

OVERVIEW: As one coach put it, "The two usual suspects should be the top two teams again."

With a seemingly never-ending feeder systems, both defending champion Masconomet and Wilmington indeed appear poised to battle it out for the top spot in the large once again.

2006 record: 4-7

Returning starters (10): Mike Sloban, Sr., OL/DE, 5-11, 185; Matt Fiore, Jr., OL/DL, 6-1, 220; Steve Jenkins, Sr., OL/LB, 5-9, 165; Justin Bolla, Sr., TE/DE, 6-0, 185; Liam Crawford, Sr., SE/QB/DB, 6-1, 160; Nate Bunnell, Sr., RB/DE, 6-2, 190; Steve Hayden, Sr., OL/DE, 5-10, 165; Jordan Silva, Jr., QB/DB, 5-9, 145; Dave Spalding, Sr., RB/DL, 5-6, 185; Brian Pigott, Sr., OL/DL, 5-9, 170

2006 record: 3-7

Returning starters (8): Nick Chalmers, Sr., OL/DL, 6-2, 320; Joe Burns, Sr. OL/LB, 6-0, 210; Mike Brooks, Sr., TE/DL, 5-11, 190; Brendan Lutz, Sr. FB/LB, 5-9, 185; Dino Rizzo, Jr., HB/LB, 5-11, 180; Josh Robinson, Sr., HB/DE, 5-9-180; Darren Hartwell, Jr., WR/CB, 6-4, 155; John Mitton, Sr., WR/CB, 5-8, 160

2006 record: 7-4

Returning starters (4): Andrew Bogosian, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1 225; Steve Boudreau, Sr., QB/DB, 6-1, 185; Matt Burckhardt, Sr., FB/LB, 6-0, 190; Nick Faucher, Sr., WR/DB, 6-3, 190

2006 record: 2-8

Returning starters (6): Alex Mendoza, Sr., DB, 5-6, 150; Luis Nova, Sr., WR/DB, 5-7, 160; Alex Andrews, Jr., WR, 6-3, 190; Demitri Brown, Jr., WR, 6-1, 190; Pedro Cruz, Jr., OL/DL, 5-10, 235; Ramon Heredia, Jr., RB/QB, 5-7, 160

DANVERS | In this, the 100th season of football at St. John's Prep, it will be the team's skill players who will be asked to carry the squad while a slew of newcomers get used to life at the varsity level.

WEST ANDOVER | Back in the fall of 2004, Nate Adames and his freshman classmates were about the only thing Greater Lawrence Tech boys athletic boosters could rally around.

The varsity team had plummeted deep into the abyss, finishing at 0-10 and the usually strong boys hoop and baseball teams were treading water.

OVERVIEW: Greater Lawrence Tech stock continues to rise, but the Reggies have one giant hurdle left in their march up the league ladder.

"We haven't really proved ourselves yet," said coach Tony Sarkis. "I'd like to think we belong."

2006 record: 12-1, lost in EMass Division 3 Super Bowl

Returning starters (3): Cam Taylor, Sr., TE/LB, 6-2, 210; Matt Miles, Sr., RB/DB, 5-6, 150; Anthony Rivela, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 235

Returning lettermen: Craig Eaton, Sr., RB/CB, 6-2, 180; Cameron Gadd, Jr., TE/DB, 5-6, 145; John Tricomi, Sr., FB/LB, 5-11, 185; Matt Burke, Jr., QB/DB, 6-1, 180; Jim Nickerson, Sr., QB/DB, 5-9, 160; Mike Gertz, Sr., QB/DB, 5-8, 160; Jeff Beauregard, Sr., TE/LB, 6-3, 180; Josh Oliver, Jr., TE/DL, 6-2, 180; Ryan Demaria, Jr., TE/LB, 5-10, 175; Tyler Page, Jr., RB/LB, 5-10, 175; Alan Gosselin, Jr., RB/DB, 5-9, 165; Bryan Trickett, Jr., RB/LB, 6-2, 200; Carlos Candelario, Jr., RB/DB, 5-6, 160; Nathan Buck, Jr., RB/LB, 5-8, 170; John Connor, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 190; Corey Chabuz, Jr., OL/DL, 6-4, 290; Pat Scheidegger, Jr., OL/DL, 6-3, 225; Matt Desroches, Sr., OL/DL, 5-7, 240; Bob DeBenedetto, Soph., OL/DL, 6-4, 310; Mike Brown, Jr., OL/DL, 6-1, 250; Jeremy Scannell, Sr., TE/LB, 6-1, 225

2006 record: 5-6

Returning starters (12): Nate Adames, Sr., TB/CB, 5-9, 170; Victor Sosa, Sr., FB/DE, 5-9, 215; Jonathan Delossantos, Sr., QB/CB, 5-7, 140; Isaac Sosa, Sr., WR/CB, 5-7, 160; Yerison Cruz, Sr., TE/DE, 6-0, 190; Rogers Bencosme, OT/DT, 5-8, 205; Jorge Cruz, Sr., G/LB, 5-8, 180; Miguel Plaza, Sr., SE/LB, 5-9, 180; Doug Stevens, Sr., SE/CB, 5-8, 170; Jason Orsini, Sr., OT/DT, 5-9, 205; John Cote, Sr., FB/LB, 5-9, 190; Kevin Fritschy, Jr., G/DT, 5-9, 210

2006 record: 5-5

Returning starters (12): Nadjee Harrigan, Sr., WB/CB, 5-8, 165; Joe Esposito, Jr., QB/DB, 5-11, 165; Mike Ruh, Jr., WR/CB, 6-1, 155; Dave Kenneally, Jr., FB/OLB, 5-8, 165; Brandon Wade, Sr., WB/S, 5-8, 150; Jeff Rollins, Sr., G/DT, 6-0, 230; Jeff McLaughlin, Jr., OT/OLB, 6-0, 185; Chris Esposito, Soph., OG/ILB, 6-0, 205; Andrew Sinkewicz, Soph., OT/OLB, 6-1, 210; Jay Nemeroff, Sr., OT/DT, 5-8, 170; Kyle Perry, Jr., C/DE, 6-2, 180

LONDONDERRY, N.H. | The question rang out louder the Lancer marching band's massive horn section.

Who is this guy?

New Hampshire football fans, say hello to Ryan Griffin. You'll be seeing him a lot this season.

PELHAM | The Pelham football team can take solace in that Tom Babaian's game grades do not factor into their cumulative GPA's. If they did, the Pelham High School honor roll might become a very exclusive club.

NASHUA, N.H. | His ability to score touchdowns duly noted, Pinkerton Academy senior Mike LaRocque is a man of many talents.

Take assessing his Astros football team after last night's 33-0 dispatching of Nashua North.