Campbell linemen, from left, Alex St. Pierre, Zach Poulin and Nick Mackey make up half the Cougars' senior football class. (Telegraph photo by TOM KING)

LITCHFIELD – Strength in numbers? Don’t tell that to the Campbell High School football seniors, because they’ve been strong without them.

It’s a small senior class to say the least for the Cougars, yet it might be the most important class in school history.

Yes, two of the seniors of course are arguably the team’s best players, Scott and Nick Hershberger. But there are three others who start and have been major contributors, and another in reserve.

Three key seniors have been tight end Nick Mackey, plus two-way linemen Alex St. Pierre and Zach Poulin. Back Kyle Alhajj has been a reserve/JV player, but ready to go if needed.

So count them: six. Yet the No. 1, 10-0 Cougars are the dominant team in Division III, headed to their third straight final Saturday vs. No. 2 Inter-Lakes /Moultonborough(9-1) at Souhegan’s Calvetti Field at 1 p.m.

Contrast that with ILM, which has 11.

“We’ve always had a very small class,” Poulin said with a chuckle, but noted that COVID, which took place during their eighth grade season, “probably contributed.”

Speaking of the five who start, Campbell coach Glen Costello said “It’s dawned on me that all five have played every offensive position at Campbell, and every defensive position between them.

Poulin and St. Pierre have played every offensive line position.

“When you have that versatility and willingness to do whatever it takes, teams talk about that all the time but are you willing to do it?” Costello said, noting that the Hershbergers could have gone elsewhere but were loyal to the group. And the other kids have been loyal to them.

“Scott and Nick and I have played since youth, at least 10 years together, and it’s been awesome the whole way through,”: Poulin said. “I’ve been a linemen my whole career blocking for them. It’s been great. Knowing that if you’re going to get to your spot, there’s a good chance they’ll bounce it outside and score.”

Poulin was a guard, then moved to tight end, then back to guard. “He’s another kid that has lost weight over his years but still plays ‘D’ line,” Campbell coach Glen Costello said. “And he had a tremendous game the first go around against Inter-Lakes. Just one of those kids I can’t say enough good things about.”

St. Pierre, meanwhile, formed a tough line tandem with his brother, Evan, who graduated, as they won a championship together in 2022. He’s done pretty well solo.

“It was a little bit of a change at first,not having him next to me,” St. Pierre said. “But I think throughout the season I’ve adjusted to it pretty well and came into being my own player, who I am.”

He was a center on that 2022 team, this year was moved to guard and also has played at defensive tackle.

“Alex has arguably been as good as Evan; statistically Alex is a better blocker, a little bit more of a technician,” Costello said. “It’s a typical story of the younger brother of a very good football player; he could have chosen one of two ways to go. But he’s been an integral part of the success this year.”

And he loves being a lineman, but Saturday will be his last game, and his brother Evan will be there. What will that be like, his last game?

“Depends on whether we win or lose,” he said, noting that a win would be “bittersweet. But I think it’ll be good.”

He’s loved being a lineman. “I like blocking for the running backs,” he said. “It doesn’t get much praise, but I know in my heart I did my part.”

Mackey, meanwhile, has known the group growing up, and is a team captain. “I’ve always been friends with these guys, but playing football has made me a lot closer with every one of them in different ways. I really enjoy the game. I’m going to miss it when it goes away.”

Mackey has played a lot of positions, been an offensive lineman all four years but this season also got to play tight end – and catch a touchdown pass or two.

“It feels fun getting a highlight on you,” he said, as he also plays inside linebacker on defense.

“He’s willing to do anything for the team,” Costello said. “He’s overachieving. He’s the definition of tough.”

Why? Last year Mackey tore his labrum and didn’t say anything about it, playing at least five games with the injury.

“He didn’t say boo to anyone,” Costello said. “I’m pretty sure his shoulder may be hurt this year but he’s playing through it. Willing to do everything and anything for the team’s success.”

He’s obviously excited about ending his career with a championship game.

“Thrilled,” Mackey said. “Love competing in that opportunity.”

Mackey put it all in perspective.

“It’s insane being almost the smallest senior class (in football) the school has ever had to offer,” Mackey said. “We’re one of the most successful classes the school has had to offer.I’m honored to be a part of it.”