The 2014 edition of Seahawks football may have a few new wrinkles to put on display when the regular season gets underway on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Telstar in Bethel.

With 40 players on board, fifth-year head coach Bryan Dionne has a few surprises to unveil. The Seahawks offensive philosophy may shift a little to the left, as they will be looking to take advantage of a group of kids that should fare very well out in open space.

"We want to take advantage of our speed, so we are using some different looks that involve the spread offense," said Dionne. "We will still be using the true and tested double wing as well, but think we have a special group that can take advantage of some different looks."

The Seahawks open the season a week late and will only have seven regular season games due to the loss of Sacopee Valley on the schedule, who had to bow out due to a lack of numbers. Instead Boothbay will be hosting a club team from the Newcastle-Damariscotta area. They call themselves “Lincoln” but the team is not affiliated with Lincoln Academy in any way.

Coming off the 2013 season that saw the Seahawks go 3-6 and make the playoffs, Dionne is hopeful a break here or there will put this bunch right in the mix come November, but he knows there is some really strong completion in Western Class D with the likes of defending state champion Oak Hill, Lisbon, Dirigo and Old Orchard Beach.

Julian Aponte will look to lead a group of experienced backs while Nick Kilgus and Nick Burge will return at quarterback. Antonio Maulolo and Howie Carter are also returning seniors, anchoring the offensive line, as well as Douglas Steinmetz and Jeremy Holbrook. In the new look speed offense, tight ends Abel Bryer and Jacob Leonard will provide talent as the Seahawks look to get the ball down field. Aponte is also a very valuable weapon as a great kick returner.

Defensively the Seahawks will be using a 3-5 front with a lot of stunting. Maulolo anchors the defensive line with Carter at linebacker along with Cole Barter, Gabe Purin and Nick Gorey.

After the regular season opener at Telstar, the Seahawks open at home against Traip Academy on Friday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.