Nick Archambault
Portland senior, LB/RB
The second-team All-USA Today Maine linebacker says he can’t live without ice cream. Coach Jim Hartman called Archambault “the best football player I’ve ever coached.” He’ll move to middle linebacker to maximize his ability to anticipate plays (126 tackles) and will again be a tough runner (54 carries, 8 TDs, 279 yards). His prearranged playlist of classic rock hits gets him ready for games.
Joey Curit
Biddeford senior, QB/DB
One of several returning QBs in B South, Curit is a coach’s son with quick feet, a strong, accurate arm and an affinity for country music. In an all-conference season, he passed for 781 yards with eight TDs and ran for 514 yards and five TDs, He will continue his tradition of sitting in the same seat, next to the same teammate on rides.
Jesse Devereaux
Brunswick senior, FB/LB
Befitting a tough runner who will take over Will Bessey’s role as the lead back after gaining 128 yards in the Class B state final loss to Marshwood, Devereaux likes hard rock/metal music and digs the Terminator movies. He has a knack for getting his hands on the ball on defense.
Ben Ekedahl
Cape Elizabeth senior, WR/DB
He uses his size and speed to make plays in the open field, whether it’s hauling in a pass (37 catches for 703 yards and 4 TDs) or defending them (4 INTs). A quiet, charismatic leader who can’t live without chicken parmesan and who enjoyed working for a property maintenance company because he learned “man skills,” Ekedahl returned two interceptions and one kickoff for scores last season.
Trey Fallon
Falmouth senior, OT
A three-year starter, the 6-foot-4, 306-pound left tackle is getting looks from colleges in all three divisions. A team captain with diverse interests (acoustic folk music and “Game of Thrones”), he’s nimble enough to play doubles for the tennis team. He enjoyed helping coach the Falmouth Middle School football team, and intends to study engineering in college.
Parker Gammon
Bonny Eagle senior, C/LB
A fan of the Canadian mockumentary “Trailer Park Boys,” the three-year starter on both sides of the ball is a 6-foot, 220-pounder who moves well. While he prefers to be by himself before games, Gammon is a two-year captain and was the first junior to earn that honor for the Scots since 1999.
Mike Laverriere
Thornton Academy senior, QB/DB
Known previously as a superior defensive back and tough inside runner (27 TDs on 148 career carries) who is already a two-time SMAA all-conference pick, the 6-1, 225-pound fan of rap, hip-hop music and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches will have a lucky penny tucked inside his sock as he takes over as Thornton’s QB this season.
Desmond Leslie
Windham senior, QB
Leslie makes sure not to sleep on his throwing shoulder the night before a game. It must work. He’s directed the Eagles to two regional championship games, with a win in 2014. A fan of the Netflix original series “Last Chance U,” he completed 31 of 64 passes for 376 yards, and rushed for 266 yards and seven scores in the 2015 regular season.
Cole McDaniel
Marshwood senior, QB
He started his junior year as a 5-7, 170-pound fourth-stringer. By season’s end, McDaniel had led the Hawks to a second straight Class B title. He may laugh at “How I Met your Mother” reruns while eating pizza, but McDaniel has proven to be a leader who can throw accurately on the run for a team looking to contend for a third straight title.
Raffaele Salamone
Deering senior, TE/DL
He enjoys watching “Seinfeld” but Salamone’s game is not a show about nothing. Salamone has the size (6-4, 240), strength and speed to play multiple spots on defense after a disruptive junior season at nose guard. Add in a strong football IQ, and he has the potential to play in college. Favorite movie “Rocky IV” indicates he won’t shy from a challenge.
Patrick Saunders
Kennebunk senior, FB/LB
The Rams have more veterans back than any Class B South team, and Saunders is a stout 5-10, 210-pounder who contributes on both sides of the ball. He gained over 700 yards as a junior. A fan of hip-hop and a good steak, Saunders makes sure he sticks with the same pregame meal all season long.
Frankie Veino
Sanford senior, QB
After he gets ready for a game by sitting inside his locker, Veino uses his 6-foot-1, 216-pound frame and experience to become a threat both passing and running. When it comes to entertainment, Veino goes for oldies but goodies like “The Three Stooges” and “Goonies.”
– Steve Craig
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