It's hard to imagine a team in the state that was hit harder by graduation then Manchester Essex.
The Hornets return just two starters from last year's 9-2 team that finished as the Commonwealth Athletic Conference Large runners up.
"We have a lot of open spots," Hornets head coach Mike Athanas said. "We'll see who steps up and who wants to play."
The Hornets' two returning starters just happen to be their two senior captains in quarterback Alex Carr and center Matt Wescott. Carr was the Hornets' signal caller in 2009 and he thrived. Armed with a battery of weapons, Carr threw for 1,603 yards with 15 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He also ran for over 400 yards and seven more scores.
The Hornets will have to rely on Carr a lot more this season as they graduated three of their top four rushers, with Carr being the leading returning rusher. The returning running back with the most yards last season is Cooper Riehl, who had just 10 carries for 63 yards. Every player that caught a pass for Manchester Essex in 2009 has graduated.
Wescott will also be relied on to anchor the offensive line and the linebacking core. The center is a three-year starter for the Hornets on offense. He and Carr, however, will both be starting on defense for the first time.
The rest of the Hornets are a group of unknowns as there will be newcomers starting at 20 of the 22 positions.
Despite the uncertainty at almost every position, Athanas says the Hornets are still going to do what they do.
"We like to be balanced; we like to take what the defense gives us," he said. "That's how we try to run the offense every year."
HORNET STINGS
Last year's record: 9-2
Head coach: Mike Athanas (7th season, 41-29)
Team captains: Alex Carr, Sr., QB; Matt Wescott, Sr., OL/DL
Top returning rusher: Alex Carr (416 yards, 7 TDs)
Top returning passer: Alex Carr (1603 yards, 15 TDs)
Top returning receiver: None
Last league title: 2009
Did You Know?: The Hornets have rattled off four straight winning seasons.
2010 Schedule
DateOpponentTime
Sept. 10Lynnfield7 p.m.
Sept. 25at Gr. Law. Tech10:30 a.m.
Oct. 1Northeast Metro7 p.m.
Oct. 8Lynn Tech7 p.m.
Oct. 15Ipswich7 p.m.
Oct. 22NS Tech7 p.m.
Oct. 30at Gr. Lwl. Tech1:30 p.m.
Nov. 6at Whittier Tech2 p.m.
Nov. 12Shawsheen Tech7 p.m.
Nov. 25Georgetown10 a.m.
