Returning its leading rusher, the Goffstown High School football team has plans to run back to where its season ended last year – the Division III playoffs.

The Grizzlies’ run-heavy offense once again relies on star back Jake Staffiere, who returns for his senior season.

Staffiere should receive blocking support from an experienced group of players, with senior Nick Francoeur at center, junior Matt Poisson at guard and senior Jackson Crosby at tight end.

Though the offensive line’s core features veterans, the future looks promising, too, after Dan Consadine and Cameron Finn impressed during the preseason. Each player is at least 6-foot-3 and weighs more than 220 pounds, and Finn is the younger brother of Allen Finn, who anchored the line before graduating last spring.

Goffstown’s head coach, Rob Cathcart, said his team won’t be throwing the ball too many times in 2009. “We want to establish the running game and control the clock, control the football,” said Cathcart. “The offensive line and having some veterans back are very important for us.”

Doug MacIntosh is the signal-caller for the Grizzlies, and Cathcart said the athletic quarterback can keep opposing defenses guessing because he can throw if necessary.

Despite the strong arm MacIntosh possesses, it’s his legs that interest Cathcart. “He’s a good leader, and he’s fast, so he gives us a nice change of pace from the offtackle play,” said Cathcart.

“His ability to make extra yardage is going to be critical for us this year.”

On defense, Tim Edwards, who broke his arm against Milford after cracking the starting lineup, should have an impact at defensive end for GHS.

Other important members of the defensive unit are Josh Devriendt and Sean McGarry at linebacker, Jason Bohan at defensive back and Ryan St. Onge at cornerback.

Cathcart said his team has improvements to make, but a postseason run is probable.

“We made the playoffs last year, and that’s the goal again,” said Cathcart. “We have a younger team this year, but we have a very talented junior class with a lot of starters. As long as they mature quickly and we can handle adversity, (the playoffs) should be a reasonable goal.”