Oxford Pirates; 2013: 1-10 (0-6 SWCL C).

• Position: Sports

They say new coaches have a three-year plan when it comes to turning around a program. The first year involves figuring out a game plan, the second is implementing the new strategy, and the third season comes the results.

After two one-win seasons, Oxford is obviously sick of losing. With 18 returning starters -- including 10 on defense -- things might finally be looking up for the Pirates.

Oxford's defense have five returning senior starters in linemen Mike Langway and Shane Howard, while Joe Charron and Mike Strom return at linebacker and Colby Andrews is back in the secondary. Junior linemen Chris Poutre and Ryan Handlin are also back, as are juniors Brent Dellaquila and Connor Harnois in the secondary. Sophomore Mike Peloquin returns at linebacker.

"We will look to find our form this year on defense and will play stronger as a unit,'' coach Mike Adams said. "We have many returning varsity players and look to have that experience transfer over from last year with having a young defensive group. As a team, we will be changing up coverages and looks in order to have the opportunity to be mobile on the defensive front.''

The offense has a different feel after the graduation of quarterback Liam Pickett. Andrews and Charron have been competing for the starting job. Strom returns in the backfield, while Dellaquila is back at receiver, but otherwise, the Pirates will be new throughout the skill positions.

Adams knows the strength will be the offensive line, which returns four starters -- Howard, Harnois, Handlin and Poutre.

"As the teams moves into the third year under the offense, we look to be a lot stronger and more physical up on the offensive line,'' Adams said. "We have a bunch of new faces in the skill positions and will look to be more balanced this year and make many improvements.''

Pirates at a glance

Home field: Oxford High (grass), 495 Main St., Oxford.

Brain trust: Coach: Mike Adams (third season, 2-20; 8-32 career). Assistants: Matt Tyrrell, Anthony MacDonald, Dan Klein, Andrew Gray, Nick Tessier, Ray Shepherd.

Returning starters: 18 (8 offense, 10 defense).

Top players: Sr. OL/DL Shane Howard, Sr. RB/LB Mike Strom, Jr. OL/LB Connor Harnois, Jr. OL/DL...