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HAMPTON, N.H. ‑ Though they came into the game as the clear-cut favorites, the 2008 Londonderry Lancers were far from a proven commodity.

Their first-year head coach, Jon Rich, was taking over for the legendary coach Tom Sawyer, who spent 27 years as the program’s only-ever head coach. Sawyer amassed a brilliant 182-90 record and led the Lancers to titles in 1985, 1986, 1988, 1996 and 1998 (with the latter two being at the Division 1 level and the former three at the Division 2 level).

more diplomatic. He's a bit more low-key than I am. That's the big thing he'll bring. It won't be coach Sawyer blowing spit out of the side of his mouth looking like a rabid dog. I tried to change that style, but I couldn't do it. I always told Jon to coach with his personality. The job will still get done, it will just get done in a little quieter atmosphere. That might be a blessing for the kids."

They say repeating as champion is the toughest thing to do in sports.

Don't tell Pinkerton.

The three-time defending champions seem to have all the weapons they need to once again take the Division 1 title by force. Though leading stats men Pete Mazzola and Bobby Dattilo have graduated, there are number of players ready to step into their roles, as is usually the case with the Astros.