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Pentucket football preview

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

Returning lettermen: Peter Creamer, Sr., TE/DL, 6-2, 205; Matt Roberts, Sr., OL/DL, 5-11, 185; Matt Green, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 155

Newcomers: Chris Modlish, Jr., RB/DB, 5-11, 170; Jamie Ryan, Sr., OL/DL, 5-11, 190; Max Arthur, Sr., RB/DB, 5-10, 160; Austin Perreault, Soph., RB/LB, 5-6, 145; Ryan Durkin, Sr., SE/DB, 6-2, 160; Zack Eddy, Soph., RB/LB, 5-8, 150; Nathan Poretta, Sr., SE/LB, 5-9, 145; Dan Dragon, Soph., RB/DB, 5-7, 140; Marc Lovett, Soph., OL/DL, 5-10, 225; Jordan Pinzone, Soph., OL/LB, 5-10, 190; Bobby DiSorbo, Jr., SE/DB, 5-7, 135; Connor Harrison, Jr., TE/LB, 5-11, 160; Bobby Karlberg, Sr., RB/DB, 5-6, 140

Candidates in all grades: 85

Captains: Steve Jenkins, Justin Bolla

Offense: Wing-T; Defense: 4-3

Returning leaders: Nate Bunnell 141-855-6.1 rushing, 7 TDs; Liam Crawford 19-50-263 passing

Returning honorees: None

Assistants: Chris Perry (offensive coordinator); Pat O'Keefe (defensive, offensive backs); Jeff Beckett (offensive, defensive line); Brian Leary (tight ends, defensive ends); Alby Marshall (freshmen), Matt Willis (freshmen assistant)

Opener: Saturday, host Hamilton-Wenham, 1:30 p.m.

Odds and ends: Last year's seven losses were the most by a Sachem team since 1997 (2-8) ... Pentucket had lost a combined 10 regular season games between 1999-2005. ... Nathan Bunnell, who rushed for 855 yards despite missing the last game due to injury, may be the top back in the CAL. ... The loss to Triton was its first Thanksgiving loss since 1998. ... Jordan Silva looks to have won the QB spot from incumbent Liam Crawford. That move might help on both ends, where Crawford immediately becomes one of the club's most lethal receivers. ... Offensive lineman Mike Sloban went a perfect 6-0 last year on the mound. His regular battery mate Peter Creamer, who hit .302, will see time at tight end and linebacker.

Coach Steve Hayden (26th year, 143-119-2): "Lightest team wins, right? Yes, this is one of the smallest teams we've ever had in stature. We'll see how they stack up character-wise. That's what it's all about. We want them to improve, to be better than they were the day before. We're a little beaten up with injuries, so it's important we play together as a unit."