When the New Canaan Rams take the field for its season-opener against Bassick on Thursday night, it will be the first time since the 2007 season that they won't be defending a state championship.

The Rams saw their string of four consecutive titles shattered by Masuk in last December's Class L championship, getting blown out 50-20. That should be enough to inspire the Rams to another great season.

"It's motivation for me," said Lou Marinelli, who enters his 31st season as head coach of the Rams. "I hope it's motivation for the kids. The goal is to get back and play Masuk again. I know they'll be there. I'm hoping we can be there. We want to go and win it back"

Spearheading the Rams' hoped return to glory will be senior quarterback Matt Milano, who set a state record with 42 touchdown passes in 2010.

"He's the catalyst," Marinelli said. "This will be his fourth season in this system and we're expecting really big things from him. I am hoping he can surpass what he did last year."

That might be tough considering Milano will no longer have all-everything receiver Kevin Macari as his main weapon. Macari, arguably the best receiver in the state a year ago, has graduated, taking his talents to Georgetown University. But Milano still has a number of talented targets.

"Patrick Newton, Peter Kraus, and Connor Kilbane are very good," Marinelli said. "Krause was our leading receiver, ahead of Macari last year, before he went down with an injury. Kilbane has great hands and Newton should have an impact."

The offensive line must find a way to fill the giant hole left by Connor Hanratty, who is playing at Notre Dame as a freshman. Marinelli calls the unit a "work in progress that keeps getting better and better."

Anchoring the line will be tackle Kalin Killinger, who is a three-year starter. Center Nick Pelley and guard Will Nemiroff should also provide strong protection for Milano.

The defense returns five starters from a year ago and they'll be looking to rinse away the bad taste of giving up 50 points to Masuk in last year's state championship game. The strength of the defense will be outside linebackers Dylan Lemming and John Brainaird, whom Marinelli says are two of the best defensive players in the county.

"Both are tall and lanky and can run," Marinelli said. "They are also very tough and athletic."

Under Marinelli, the Rams never rebuild, they just re-load and this promises to be another exciting season for New Canaan High School football.