Coach: Ryan Gardner (12th season)

Last season: 14-3, lost in Class D West final

Top returners: Josh Brown (Sr., P-SS), Matt Brown (Sr., OF), Jason Brown (Sr., 2B), Tim Bradford (Sr., OF), Eric Curtis (Sr., OF) Bruce Carver (Jr., 1B-C), Nick Woods (Jr., INF-P)., Mike King (Jr. INF-P), Eric Dowd (Jr., OF), Josh Rice (Jr. OF).

Key newcomers: Joey Scribelitto (Jr., OF), Kyle O'Brien (Jr., 1B-P), Wade Tuttle (So. OF), Ben Carver (Fr., C)

Outlook: After finishing runner-up to Rangeley in Class D West the past two seasons, the Bobcats appear the favorites this spring. They return three experienced pitchers in King, Woods and Josh Brown as well as a lot of speed on the basepaths. Carver batted .468 last season, but he'll need some help in what could be the team's weakest area. Gardner also thinks the team could be successful playing small ball.

Coach's comment: "The kids work hard and put the extra time in. This is a good group."

Coach: Rick Coughlin (23rd season)

Last season: 15-2, lost in Western D finals

Top returners: 2B Tara Hurley (So.); LF Morgan Rines (So.); OF Katrina Hedgepeth (So.); OF/IF Danielle Bunikis (Jr.); 3B Cassie Hamilton (Jr.); OF Chelsea Sullivan (Jr.).

Top newcomers: OF Francis Farias (Jr.); 1B Eticia Brickman (Jr.); OF Alexis Lord (So.); P Leandra Martin (Fr.); C Lindsay Hoopingarner (Fr.); SS Danica Hurley (Fr.).

Outlook: The Bobcats are trying to replace five seniors who solidified the lineup for a number of years, and they'll need Martin to shine in her rookie season. She's been working extensively with pitching instructors to get ready for the season, but the jump from middle school to high school varsity is still a difficult one. The team has not historically been a strong one offensively, but Coughlin likes the early work he's seen with the bats.

Coach's comment: "The biggest thing is taking the time to show (the inexperienced players) how to do things and work with them. We have 21 kids. Our older kids have been great in helping out. It's all about trying to teach them what you can in a short time."