Soccer games at Potsdam High School used to be played on a field that looked more like someone's large backyard.

There were no bleachers for spectators and one of the goals sat very close to several large trees.

But this season the Sandstoners will play their home games in what could be Section 10's finest home facility.

The school has installed a new artificial turf field where their old grass football field used to be and also built a new grandstand for fans.

The field will be used in the fall by both the boys and girls soccer teams, as well as the varsity football team. Complete with lights, the facility will host its first varsity night football game this Friday against Saranac Central.

"I think the kids are excited about it," said boys soccer coach Mike Germano. "The field is beautiful with the lights and stuff. It looks like a professional stadium."

Both the boys and girls soccer teams have been among the top programs in Section 10 in recent years, and the new facility may help them build an even larger fan following.

"We've traditionally had good crowds, just usually they were scattered on the field and the end lines and side lines," Germano said.

The players broke in the field last weekend as the school hosted the annual John Jeffers Tournament, which used to be at SUNY Potsdam. Potsdam won the titles in both the boys and girls events.

"It's really nice," said junior Matt McDonald. "You know the school is behind you and giving you a lot of opportunity. On (Friday) there were a lot of people there."

Potsdam could have a strong home advantage this season as it grows more used to the artificial surface and plays teams that have been playing on grass all season.

"We can spread out wide and let our people like (Jordan LaPoint) just run all over the place," McDonald said. "It's just so much faster than playing on grass."

Said Germano, "Good teams will adjust quickly. I think other teams will like playing on the field. When kids get there, I think they like to play on it. I think we'll have a slight advantage because we are used to how (the ball rolls)."

Of course the Sandstoners could be at a disadvantage in road games when they return to grass fields.

But Germano already has a plan to combat that concern. Before road games, the Sandstoners will head over to their former home field and practice there.

"It's going to be to our disadvantage, trying to adjust ourselves from turf to grass," Germano said.

When the Section 10 playoffs get to the later rounds the games are always played on a turf field, either at SUNY Potsdam or SUNY Canton's field, which opened last year. Playing all season on turf may help the Sandstoner teams should they arrive at those big games.

"Our kids will be used to the turf and the lights and the movement of the ball," Germano said.

CENTRAL DIVISION

Outlook:Several teams in this usually competitive division feature rosters with many new varsity players. Potsdam claimed the title a year ago and should contend for the top spot again. Canton was just one point behind the Sandstoners last year but lost many key starters to graduation. Perhaps the most experienced team is Norwood-Norfolk, which went just 1-11 in divisional play, but won the Section 10 Class C title. The Flyers return 15 players. OFA has just four returnees and Malone will be breaking in a new goalie, but expects to have solid forwards and midfield play.

Canton Golden Bears

Coach:Matt Caufield (8th year).

2007 record:12-5-3 overall, 8-1-3 division.

Roster:Mike Murray, Jon O'Connor, James Chase, Christian Dailey, Trent Durocher, Colin Howard, Jordan Serviss, Travis Jordan, Brendan Bolis, Colby Young, Anthony Spadaccini, Dakota Sharpe, Spencer Malette, Ryan Kocher, Tyler Hart, Matt Gibson, Anthony Leveto, Mike Witherhead, Tyler Perry, Callahan Tyler, Sanford Newvine, Jack Gardner, Morgan Elliott, Nick Tyo.

Gouverneur Wildcats

Coach:Shawn Typhair (7th year).

2007 record:2-15-1, 1-11.

Roster:Joshua Allen (Sr.), Nathaniel Burgess (Jr.), Cayden Burtis (So.), Jeffrey Cole (Jr.), Nicholas Cotton-Baez (Sr.), Lee French (Jr.), Nicholas French (Jr.), Thomas Gore (So.), Joseph Haynes (Jr.), Joshua Hinrichs (Jr.), Zachery Holmes (Jr.), Kenneth Martin (Sr.), Brandon Raymo (Sr.), Damin Sawyer (Sr.), Jordan Sergel (So.), Chris Stannard (Sr.), Dominick Teague (So.), Daniel Truax (Jr.), Kyle Waugh (So.), Matthew Weaver (Jr.), Talan Weekes (Sr.), Quincy Woods (Sr.).

Malone Huskies

Coach:Kim DePuy (2nd year).

2007 record:10-6-3, 5-5-2.

Roster:Brandon Aanderud (Sr. F), Chris Beebe (Sr. F/G), Ondrej Camrda (Sr. F/M), Kyle Carriere (Jr. F), Tyler Childs (Jr. D), Bryce Cosgrove (Sr. D), Ian DePuy (Jr. D), Chad Fleury (Sr. D/M), Scott Henderson (Sr. F), Will LaPage (Jr. G), Peter Laramee (Fr. D/M), Seth Mills (Sr. M), Colt Newton (Jr. D/M), Cory Priarie (Jr. D), Kody Smith (Jr. D), Matt Teeple (Jr. M), Casey Warner (Sr. F), Michael Welch (Jr. D), Lucian White (Sr. M).

Massena Red Raiders

Coach:Pat Henrie (24th year).

2007 record:10-8-1, 7-4-1.

Roster:Nate Pichette (Sr. F), Justin Rushlow (Sr. M), Mike Besaw (Sr. D), Mike Lashomb (Sr. D/M), Clay Allen (Jr. F/M), David Henrie (Jr. M), Zach Prashaw (Jr. M), Tom Ward (Jr. G), J.P. Dumas (Jr. D), Brian Jacks (Jr. M/D), Brady Condlin (So. D), Derek Hammill (So. F), Nathan Lint (So. D), Nick Pichette (So. F), J.P. Prashaw (So. M/F), Conor Riley (So. M).

Norwood-Norfolk Flyers

Coach:Don Peterson (9th year).

2007 record:2-17-1, 1-11.

Roster:Pat Durant (G), Jordan Bond (D), Seth Clark (D), Drew Chapin (D), Jake Ladouceur (M), James Purvis (M), Adam Stone (M), Matt Fiacco (M), Chris Thomas (M), Jessie Williams (M), Drew Stone (M), Billy Jackson (F), Nick Clark (F), Tom Plumb (F), Adam Stone (F), Brandon Trimboli (M).

OFA Blue Devils

Coach:Matt Morley (2nd year).

2007 record:11-7, 7-5.

Roster:Andy Sweeper (Sr. D), Brendan Merna (Sr. G), Eric Sweeney (Jr. F), Erik Whitcombe (Jr. F/M), Alex Bender (Jr. D), Dustin Brien (Jr. M), Mike Crowley (Jr. D/G), Jarrid Dodd (Jr. D), Eric Fisher (Jr. F), Zeb Fortune (Jr. D/G), Ryan Frary (Jr. D), Jake Herzog (Jr. F/G), Ethan Ladouceur (Jr. D/M), Zach Mashaw (Jr. M), Anthony Pirie (Jr. D), Jake Rishe (Jr. M), Josh Rishe (Jr. M), Jake Snover (Jr. D), Dave Crowder (So. D).

Potsdam Sandstoners

Coach:Mike Germano (3rd year).

2007 record:13-1-4, 9-1-2.

Roster:Kevin Allott (Sr. D), Ryan Bercume (Sr. F), Devin Gruneisen (Sr. D), Sam Holson (Sr. F), Jordan LaPoint (Sr. M), Tim Leuthauser (Sr. D), Grant Sharlow (Sr. M), Matt Snider (Sr. M), Noah Throop (Sr. M), Ben Steinberg (Sr. G), Matt McDonald (Jr. D), Tyler Adams (Jr. D), Taylor Hazen (Jr. F), Marty Lafleur (Jr. M), Andrew Matott (Jr. D), Dan Moulton (Jr. F), T.J. Rimmer (Jr. M), Chris Roll (Jr. M/G), Rishe Thakur (JR. F), Shawn Lillie (So. M).

EAST DIVISION

Outlook:Parishville-Hopkinton ruled this division last year, finishing 10-1-1. Chateaugay and Colton-Pierrepont also have fielded strong programs, with the Colts claiming the state Class D title in 2006. Madrid-Waddington should regroup from a tough 2-7-3 regular-season last year.

Brushton-Moira Panthers

Coach:Sam Dumont.

2007 record:5-6-3, 4-5-3.

Roster:Not provided.

Chateaugay Bulldogs

Coach:Bob Ouimet (22nd year).

2007 record:9-5-5, 7-1-4.

Roster:Drew Boyea (Sr.), Kyle Demers (Sr.), Josh Patnode (Sr.), Mike Root (Sr.), Cory Spoor (Sr.), Ivan Chase (Jr.), Eric Dwyer (Jr.), Eli Franze (Jr.), Ryan LaBare (Jr.), Zach Matthews (Jr.), Darrius Merrill (Jr.), John Peterson (Jr.), Alex Stalter (Jr.).

Colton-Pierrepont Colts

Coach:Jim Nee (2nd year).

2007 record:12-5-3, 7-4-1.

Roster:Alex Ensby (M), Patrick Reilly (M), Jake Regan (D), Beau Boyden (D), Cole Hennessy (D), Chad Hogle (D), James Reichert (F), Gavin Dominy (F), David Avery (F), Mark Avery (F), Jake Muller (F), Ben Johnson (F), Noah Jenkins (F), Mike Reilly (F), Bryan Lincoln (G), Nick Monast (G).

Madrid-Waddington

Yellowjackets

Coach:Gary Tischler (23rd year).

2007 record:4-11-4, 2-7-3.

Roster:Tyler Colbert (Sr. F), Aaron Cote (Sr. F), Chad Jaquith (Sr. D), Colin Nichol (Sr. D), Kevin Sharlow (Sr. F), J.J. Zambito (Sr. D), Brad Chester (Sr. D), Kimo Blackmore (Sr. D), Jeremy Taylor (Sr. M), Jordan Kendall (Jr. G), Gavin Acres (Jr. M/F), B.J. Bernard (Jr. F), Jon Boula (Jr. F), James Brady (Jr. D), Jacob Fisher (Jr. M), Connor Loomis (Jr. D), Dan Sladewski (Jr. D), Rob LaCombe (Jr. F).

Parishville-Hopkinton Panthers

Coach:Tony Engstrom (6th year).

2007 record:17-2-2, 10-1-1.

Roster:Mark Norman (Sr. F), Michael Bicknell (Sr. M), Cory Meashaw (Sr. D), Dan Gilbert (Sr. D), Dan Peryer (Sr. D), Ryan Gallagher (Sr. M), John Van Ellis (Sr. M), Cory Richards (Sr. F), Titus Hammill (Jr. F), Dennis Tebo (Jr. G), Chris Young (Jr. F), Dave Witherell (Jr. M), Brad Mason (Jr. D), Dennis Snyder (So. M), Nick Avery (Jr. M), Eric Zellwegger (Jr. D), Travis LaBar (Jr. D), Evan Pendergraf (Jr. M), Paul Colbert (Jr. M/D), Alex Lalonde (Jr. D), Garrett Richards (So. F), Zach Voltra (Jr. F), Matt James (Jr. D), Ryan James (Jr. G), Jay Jenkison (Jr. D).

St. Regis Falls Saints

Coach:Dan Rondeau.

2007 record:0-13, 0-12.

Roster:Devin Furnace (Sr.), Jake Wheeler (Sr.), Mike Fernandini (Sr.), William Parker (Sr.), Steve Brown (Sr.), Billy LaBounty (Jr.), Collin Haverstock (So.), Tobey Mitchell (So.), Matt Bishop (So.), Kevin Wilson (So.), Mike Johnson (So.), Tanner Marsh (So.), Dylan Fernandini (Fr.).

Salmon River Shamrocks

Coach:Chad Phippen (9th year).

2007 record:8-9-4, 5-5-2.

Roster:Juan Carlos-Alvarez (M/F), Nathan Bero (M/F), Joe Bigness (F), Angus Cook (M), Ross Cree (M), Dan Gerow (D), Ryan Mainville (D), Trent McDonald (D), Steven Durant (G), Kyke Roundpoint (D), Alex Otis (D), Ty Thompson (D), Harley Chubb (D), Ratsienhahiens Adams (D), Dane Alexander (D), Wishe David (D), Hank Delisle (M/F), Cody Bingham (M/F), Derek Hopps (M), Adam Leroux (D), Steven Leroux (F), Nick Smiddy (D), Ben Treptow (F), Iothare Wheesk (D).

WEST DIVISION

Outlook:There may be no boys team in Section 10 that has been as dominant as Lisbon during the past decade. The Golden Knights have won the West Division title seven of the last eight years and are 39-3 in division play the last four seasons. Heuvelton, Edwards-Knox and Harrisville all will push the Golden Knights for the title, and a Hermon-DeKalb team with 11 returnees could also be in the mix.

Clifton-Fine Eagles

Coach:Trent Curry (7th year).

2007 record:0-18-1, 0-12-1.

Roster:Justin Lashua, Justin Jones, Robert White, Tom McCormick, Jon Eibert, Ken Dolan, Jon McCarger, Wyatt Shaul, Riczi Kovacs, Everett Dowling, Brock McCarger, Evan Popham, Gary Jesmer, Cole Tristam, Devin Moore, Paul Harris.

Edwards-Knox Cougars

Coach:Joe Knox (6th year).

2007 record:10-7-3, 9-3-2.

Roster:Corey Aldous (Sr.), Travis Amo (Jr.), Ben Ruffles (Jr.), Sean Sullivan (Sr.), Brandon Bessette (Sr.), Ryan Ashline (Sr.), Taylor Davis (Jr.), Curtis Ellison (So.), Nate Morehouse (So.), Brock Archer (So.), Ryan Meuillieur (Fr.), Dan Corbine (Sr.), Mark Hewlett (Sr.), Josh Burke (Sr.), Ryan Gault (Sr.), David Bullock (Jr.), John Davison (So.), Joe Thompson (So.), Seth Carr (Sr.), Jon Corbine (Sr.), Ress Rapart (Sr.), Steve Mackin (Sr.), Dillon Davis (Jr.), Thomas Kingrey (So.).

Hammond Red Devils

Coaches:Weldon Noble and Bob Bice.

2007 record:6-10-2, 5-7-2.

Roster:Griff Stark-Ennis (Jr. F), Devin Simons (Sr. G), John Noble (Sr. M), Dan Ceresoli (Sr. M), James Sheridan (Sr. M), Ian Mann (Jr. D), Taylor Kenyon (So. D), John Bresett (So. D), Dave Matthews (So. D), Ben Hierholzer (So. D), Chuck Clemons (Sr. M), Josh Woodward (Fr. M), Elliot Dunn (Fr. M), Tony Devito (So. M), Devin Workman (So.), Dillon Hutton (Sr.), Jon Cryderman (Jr.).

Harrisville Pirates

Coach:Rick Bearor (35th year).

2007 record:12-7-1, 9-4-1.

Roster:Coal Campbell (Sr.), Nate Wood (Sr.), Josh Hartle (Sr.), Tom Coloney (Sr.), Vinny Avallone (Sr.), Al Weir (Jr.), Austin Hebert (Jr.), Chris Pine (Jr.), Jordan Pierce (Jr.), Dave Paro (Jr.), Jason Thomas (So.), Adrian Fraser (So.), Server Mustafaev (So.), Austin Davis (So.), Jacob Eddy (So.), Cole Frey (Fr.).

Hermon-DeKalb Demons

Coach:Milt Bessette (14th year, 99-128-28).

2007 record:6-11-3, 4-7-3.

Roster:Tyler Amo (Sr.), Shawn Brown (Sr.), Josh Streeter (Sr.), Adam Hicks (Sr.), Clyde Shireman (Sr.), Cody Cleveland (Jr.), Richie Martin (Jr.), Brandon Rust (Jr.), Chris Wentzel (Jr.), Logan Allen (So.), Logan Brabaw (So.), Connor Whitton (So.), Josh Southwell (So.), Dylan Amo (Fr.).

Heuvelton Bulldogs

Coach:Dave Steele (12th year).

2007 record:11-5-1, 10-3-1.

Roster:Sean Kelly, Trevor Tyo, Joel Smithers, Bruce Carmondy, Sean Kelly, Joel Smithers, Ryan Kelly, Taylor Armstrong, Jessie Hargrave, Travis Wood, T.J. Jacobs, David Thornhill, Jordan Hawes, Andrew Ross, Trevor Brothers, Andrew Jackson, Devin Foster, Blair Davis, David Putman.

Lisbon Golden Knights

Coach:Bill Reed (10th year).

2007 record:16-5, 12-2.

Roster:Reece Armstron (Sr. M), Brandon Robinson (Sr. M), Nathan Wheeler (Sr. D), Ryan Akins (Jr. D), Zach Premo (Jr. G), Scott Lawson (So. D), Trevor Bodwell (Jr. M), Josh Crawford (Jr. M), Aaron Doty (Jr. F), Chris Knight (Jr. D), Ken Morrow (Jr. D), Logan Shoen (Jr. M), Mike McDonnell (So. F), Eric Mehaffy (So. M), Andrew Martin (Fr. F), Joel Hargrave (Sr. D), Cory Shoen (Sr. D), Claude Bennett (So. D), Kaleb Bertrand (So. M), Daniel Buckley (So. M), Nolan Fletcher (So. M), David LaTulip (So. F), Payton Montroy (So. D), Brandon Murray (So. D), Joe Shoemaker (So. D), Dan Vallance (So. M), Paul Kerr (So. D), Nevin LaRock (Fr. F).

Morristown Green Rockets

Coach:Mike Roberts (3rd year).

2007 record:2-13, 2-12.

Roster:Will Griffith, Nick Nugent, Mike Lapinski, Jeff King, Tyler Elliott, Dane Trombley, Cody VanSchiak, Josh Young, Brendan Paquette, Alex Gagnon, Skylar Cobb, James Wilson.