WOODSTOCK — Sean Saucier, formerly of Hyde School – Woodstock, is in his first year as football coach at The Woodstock Academy.

He’s looking for the team to mature quickly as there are only four seniors returning.

He said: “Energy and enthusiasm have been great in camp as the team prepares for the 2017 season. Building off a solid spring outing, the offense, under the direction of Greg Alexander, continues to develop as many young players have gotten valuable reps. Junior quarterback Derek Thompson, who saw action as a sophomore, along with a strong receiving core, will help stretch the defense and allow veteran runner Kameron Janice to carry the load for the Centaur offense. As the offensive line solidifies, so will the offense. Senior Tyler Stuba anchors a young line that will need to mature at a quicker than normal pace. The defense, under the direction of former college coach Mike Harpin, is developing an identity based on speed and pursuit to the ball.”

Top returning players include: Derek Thompson, Jr., QB; Kameron Janice, Sr., RB; Tyler Stuba, Sr., OL/DL; Caleb Feen, Jr., WR/DB; Jacob Straub, Sr., WR/DB; Seth Benoit, Sr., WR/LB; Blake Kollbeck, Jr., OL/DL; Nathan Price, Jr., C/DE; Seth Correia, Jr., OL/DL; Zach Douglas, So., WR/DB; Luis Miranda, So., WR/DB; Jack Hovestadt, Jr., RB/LB; Travis White, So., RB/LB; Ben Holden, Jr., RB/LB; A.J. Salmon, So., WR/LB. 

Eleven starters are returning. 

Top newcomers: J.J. Bain, So., OL/LB; Nick Bedard, So., QB/DB; Zach Bertram, So., OL/DL; Nick Bessette, So., WR/LB; Jaden Dennett., So., RB/DE; Bryce Lambert, So., WR/DB; Gavin Lanning, So., OL/DL; Seth Libby, So., OL/LB; Jacob Longe, So., WR/DB; Jack Savage, So., OL/DL; Dan Suitum, So., WR/DB; Ian Welz, So., RB/DE; Martin Zhang, So., OL/DL; Ryan Latour, Jr., OL/DL; Brandon Webber, Jr., OL/DL; 

Saucier added, “We will play one night game at the South Campus for homecoming vs. Ludlow. We rent lights for homecoming week. I believe it will be the first night home contest in program history.”