Loomis Chaffee has reigned atop Class A for so long that at this point, many opposing NEPSAC coaches give the Pelicans the benefit of the doubt.
They've won four straight NEPSAC titles under head coach Adrian Stewart and are still arguably the favorite in the class. But this is the most uncertainty the program has faced in a long time after graduating seven seniors, most of whom were stars or fixtures in the lineup. Stewart himself says there's still a lot to figure out with his younger, less experienced Pelicans roster.
"I don't know how you become just fine after graduating seven seniors," he said. "That's a lot of culture that's walked out the door all at once. But I will say that I am looking forward to the challenge. ... I sort of see them as a ball of clay, where we're molding together."
Here's what you should expect from the new-look Pelicans this winter.
MORE NEPSAC PREVIEWS: Austin Prep | Worcester Academy | Northfield Mount Hermon | Wilbraham & Monson
