The Scouting Report; Division 1 East.

• Position: SPORTS

Byline: Jim Wilson

Algonquin Tomahawks

Coach (career record): Mike Vulcano (5-6)

Assistant coaches: Kevin Testa, Galen Holmes, Mike Schunder, Jason Schunder, John McAuliffe, Gene Robinson, John Selen, Joe Bentivegna, Jim McGuire, John Testa

2006 record (division): 5-6 (4-5)

Returning starters: 10 (4 offense, 6 defense)

Captains: Sr. OL/DL Mike Hurst, Sr. TE/SE/LB Nick Testa, Jr. RB/S Brian Bachand, Jr. QB/DB Michael Vulcano

Other key returnees: RB/CB Matt Campbell, TE/DE Graham Henningson, Julian McLean

Notable newcomers: SE/DB Tom Dumont, RB/DB Steve Lesnikowski, RB/DB Jon Moreno, TE/LB Nick Testa, OL/DE Tony Gotto, OL/DE Mike Wrin, OL/DE Alex Keegan, OL/DE Ken Colindres, OL/DL Kevin Sullivan

Strengths: Returning starters, team leadership

Weaknesses: NA

Coach Vulcano's comments: "We have a strong returning junior class and had a very successful offseason workout program. We hope to benefit this year with some excellent leadership from our upperclassmen."

Scouting report: After making the decision to go with a youth movement midway through last season, the young Tomahawks are hoping to use that experience to make a difference in 2007. Vulcano and Testa should do the job in the air, while Bachand and Campbell should carry the load behind a solid line.

Schedule:

Sept. 7 ... Wachusett, 7

Sept. 14 ... at Shepherd Hill, 7

Sept. 23 ... at St. John's, 1

Sept. 29 ... at Burncoat, 2

Oct. 5 ... Marlboro, 7

Oct. 12 ... Shrewsbury, 7

Oct. 20 ... at Doherty, 2

Oct. 26 ... at Fitchburg, 7

Nov. 2 ... Milford, 7

Nov. 9 ... at Gardner, 7

Nov. 22 ... Westboro, 10:15

Burncoat Patriots

Coach (career record): Chris Moriarty (50-18)

Assistant coaches: Nick Diroberto, Dan Brunelle, Scott Moriarty, Jeff Prendergast, Steve Scannell, Kevin Cawley, Steve Brunelle

2006 record (division): 6-5 (5-2 Division 2)

Returning starters: 13 (6 offense, 7 defense)

Captains: Sr. QB Dylan Smith, Sr. WR/LB Dan Burke, Sr. FB/LB Miguel Gonzalez, Sr. OL/DL Jerame Anderson

Other key returnees: Sr. WR Matt Carlo, Sr. WR Nii Quartey, Sr. OL Teddy Smith, Sr. LB Rich Toomey, Jr. OL Brian Le, Jr. OL Bobby Liberty, Sr. DE Matt Amadour, So. TB Jonathan Winbush, Sr. DL Nate Campaniello, Sr. LB Emile Scott, Sr. K Jim MacDonald

Notable newcomers: So. DB Jay Laura, Jr. DE Bobby O'Donnell, Sr. LB John Selen

Strengths: Quarterback, running backs, linebackers

Weaknesses: Inexperience on offensive and defensive line

Coach Moriarty's comments: "In our first year in Division 1A, the players and coaches are looking forward to new schedule and challenges, especially the return of playing the `old Inter-High' games will be fun. If some of the sophomores we will be playing improve quickly, we might be able to surprise some teams in our new league."

Scouting report: The Patriots have a great passing combination in Smith and Burke, while Gonzalez and Winbush should handle the load in the backfield. If the younger players step up, Burncoat...