The Maine Blue Demons, at work since the opening of practice August 31, are eagerly preparing for their first gridiron duel of the season on September 18 against Evanston. Under the capable guidance of varsity coaches Ken Olson, Al Carstens, and Mary Nyren, the grid squad is shaping up as a potential power in the always tough West Suburban League.

Utilizing the single wing offense, which has proved so successful in seasons past, the team hopes to improve upon last seasons 6 ‑ 1 mark which put the Blue Demons in second place behind the undefeated conference champs, La Grange. La Grange again is expected to show great power and is expected to duel with Maine for the conference crown. Other teams to be especially watchful of are the Hinsdale Red Devils and the Cardinals of Arlington Heights. Riverside‑Brookfield also might show surprising strength in view of the fact that their leading full‑back of last season will be returning to harass RB's foes.

An integral part of Maine's offensive machine will be an especially powerful forward wall. This year's line will be strengthened by eight returning linemen who lettered on last year's squad as well as promising linemen from the JV and Frosh‑Soph teams. Returning to this year's team are ends Doug Schmidt, John McSwaney, and Ken Markowski; tackle, Bill Spyrison; guards, Dick Smith, Ron Martin, and Bob Nemeth, and center Dan Nehlsen.

Other prospects for the line are Justin Berndt, Ken Buccieri, Dennis Helma, Doug Iden, Carl Nichols, Leon Noe, Harry Siebold, Joe Singer, Bob Smith, and Bruce Wilson. Head varsity coach Olson expects the line to be the strongest facet of Maine's football play.

Backfield lettermen returning to the Demons include quarterback Bill Wagner, fullback Ray Peterson, and tailback Ed Swanson. Leading contenders for backfield spots are Chuck Reid, Bob Kunkel, Keith Connelly, and Ron Yrigoyen. Hopes are that one of these backs will emerge as an exceptional punter or passer to fill a lack of talent in these fields which the team may be faced with.