Will Bessey, Brunswick, senior halfback: Bessey led the Eastern Class B champions in rushing (1,600 yards) and touchdowns (20). In last year’s playoff game against Messalonskee, Bessey rushed for 367 yards on just 15 carries. The 6-foot, 205-pounder worked hard in the weight room in the offseason.

Levi Craig, Leavitt, senior quarterback: Craig (5-11, 175) led the Hornets to the Western Class C title, and in the process was the state’s most prolific passer with 3,113 yards and 34 touchdowns. Craig completed 70 percent of his passes.

Joe Esposito, Portland, senior fullback/linebacker: Esposito (6-0, 180) has been an indispensable part of the Bulldogs’ defense for the past two seasons and expects to have that role again. He got more opportunities to run the ball last year and responded. He can play fullback or tailback.

Dan Guiliani, South Portland, senior tackle: The nationally ranked shot putter is an outstanding two-way lineman for the Red Riots. He was a first-team All-SMAA selection. At 6-foot-2 and 275 pounds, Guiliani had 14 sacks and three forced fumbles.

Dane Johnson, Bangor, senior tailback: Johnson (6-0, 205) was the primary back for Bangor and was one of the state’s top rushers. He finished with 1,257 yards and 18 touchdowns. Carrying the ball 30-plus times is the norm for Johnson, who had 37 carries against Windham.

Dylan Koza, Windham, senior running back: Koza (5-10, 180) gained 928 yards and scored 12 touchdowns despite missing two games because of injury. He had 45 tackles as a free safety. Koza is part of a deep running core for a team that won the Eastern Class A championship a year ago.

Cullen McCarty, York, senior halfback: McCarty (5-11, 190) is a punishing runner with breakaway speed. He was the key to the Wildcats’ offense last season and figures to be once again. He rushed for over 1,600 yards and had four straight games of over 200 yards.

Austin McCrum, Thornton Academy, senior quarterback: The 6-4, 225-pound McCrum passed for 1,596 yards and 17 touchdowns in helping the Golden Trojans win the Class A state title. He added 374 yards rushing. McCrum has verbally committed to play at Lafayette College in 2016.

 

Seth Powers, Lawrence, senior wide receiver/defensive back: Powers (6-2, 200) is a coverage nightmare for secondaries. Like a year ago, the Bulldogs will use him in many ways. He has the ability to catch the ball in a crowd or get free with precision pass routes. He is getting looks from the University of New Hampshire and Holy Cross.

Lucas Rhoy, Biddeford, senior fullback/linebacker: Rhoy (5-10, 180) will be the focal point of the Tigers’ offense. He is healthy after sitting out almost half the season a year ago. Despite his injury problems, he still rushed for 500 yards. As a sophomore, Rhoy finished with 600 yards.

Reid Shostak, Cony, senior running back/linebacker: Shostak (6-0, 215) gained 720 yards rushing and had 410 yards in receptions last season. He is a three-time All-Pine Tree Conference selection at linebacker and was named to the Maine Sunday Telegram All-State team as a sophomore.

Hunter Smith, Foxcroft Academy, senior quarterback: Smith (6-4, 180) is a quarterback, but he is being projected as a wide receiver in college. He has been invited to play in the Blue-Gray High School All-American Game in Tampa, Florida, on Jan. 9. He passed for 1,100 yards and 22 touchdowns last season.

– Tom Chard

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