Marlboro Panthers; 2013: 8-3 (5-0 Mid-Wach B, CMass Div. 2 Playoffs).

• Position: Sports

After suffering its first losing season in four years, Marlboro turned things around last year. The Panthers won their first six games and reached the Division 2 playoffs while clinching the Mid-Wach B title.

Marlboro has the foundation to stay on the winning path this year, as the Panthers return some big weapons in their entire offensive line and running back Willie Cowdrey.

Cowdrey, who last year rushed 170 times for 957 yards and seven touchdowns, should be even better as a senior running behind classmates Javon Scarlett and James Singletary, junior Liam Shanahan and sophomores Manny Teo and Chuck Moreau.

Tight end Leo Coelho also returns after catching 10 passes for 123 yards as a junior.

The Panthers has to replace a powerful 1-2 punch at receiver with the graduations of Matt Thall (52 catches, 808 yards, 10 touchdowns) and Jose Caquias (39 catches, 758 yards, 9 touchdowns), and could fill that void with juniors Jake Dionne, Tyler Hardy, Chris Jean-Baptiste and Alex Trombetta.

Junior Brian Short looks to replace John Rumney (120 of 235, 1,961 yards, 24 touchdowns) at quarterback.

The linebacking corps is a good one for Marlboro, with four returning starters in seniors Tim Smith, James Brescia and Alex Santiago and junior Joe Tirpak. Isaiah Washington, David Edwards and Andrew Rumney could also see time there.

Panthers at a glance

Home field: Kelleher Field (grass), 28 Ash St., Marlboro.

Brain trust: Coach: Sean Mahoney (11th season at Marlboro, 69-44 record. 85-70-1 overall). Assistants: Graham Asum, Mike Donovan, Steve Hair, T.J. Raeke, Bryan Riley, Brendon Gilchrist, Dan Rudzinsky, Greg Margononi, Mike Deleppo, Omar Atocha.

Returning starters: 12 (7 offense, 5 defense).

Top players: Sr. RB/DB Willie Cowdrey, Jr. OL Liam Shanahan, Sr. OL Javon Scarlett, Sr. OL James Singletary, So. OL Manny Teo, So. OL Chuck Moreau, Sr. TE Leo Coelho, Sr. LB Alex Santiago, Sr. LB James Brescia, Sr. LB Tim Smith, Jr. LB Joe Tirpak.

Notable newcomers: Sr. LB Isaiah Washington, Sr. LB David Edwards, Sr. DB Nellie Zompetti, Sr. OL Jason Charbonneau, Sr. DL Mario...