Among the many memories Dean Tornaritis has of growing up in a soccer family in Groton, the earliest include watching his twin brothers, Nick and Tony, play at Harvard University from 2002 to 2005.

Dean, now 17, was too young to remember his brothers tearing up the pitch at Groton-Dunstable, winning the program’s first two state titles in 1999 and 2001. They went on to become prominent scorers for the Crimson and briefly played semipro soccer in England.

The Tornaritis twins began a family success story that spans 17 years at Groton-Dunstable. Matt Tornaritis, class of 2015, was part of another state title in 2012. Sister Leda, who graduated in 2008, played basketball and soccer at G-D.

A senior captain for the Crusaders this fall, Dean will close out the Tornaritis run at Groton-Dunstable.

“The Tornaritises are known in Groton for being tremendous soccer players,’’ said Crusaders coach Sean Wisbey, who also coached Matt. “It will be the end of era when Dean is done.’’

Last season, Dean netted the go-ahead goal late in the second half of a 2-0 victory in the Division 1 state semifinal against East Longmeadow. The Tornaritis clan was on hand to see the family’s youngest deposit a header off a corner throw-in that put the Crusaders in the final.

“It was probably one of the best moments of my life,’’ said Dean Tornaritis. “I grew up watching my brothers play soccer, those are my role models. I have always looked up to them. To have them there to witness me play on the biggest stage that I have ever played on and have that moment of glory is indescribable.’’

The Crusaders came just shy of adding the program’s fifth state title, losing to Lincoln-Sudbury in the state final, 1-0.

The book is not closed just yet, as Tornaritis headlines a reloaded Crusaders squad. He is among five returning players hoping to keep the ball rolling.

“It is a brand new year and a brand new team,’’ said center midfielder Nate Martinez, a senior captain along with Tornaritis and Matt Warren. “We can’t necessarily play that same style, but we can definitely bring that same attitude that we had last year.’’

Sweeper Joey Zinkann, midfielder Drew Stone, and goalkeeper Nick Resca are the other returning players. Three freshmen — Simon Chandler, Chase Herberich, and Ian McGuire — are in line to see time for the Crusaders.

“We might take our bumps, but we have a great culture that is ‘next guy up’ and the kids have worked really hard for that culture,’’ Wisbey said. “The goal for the year is to win our league. Westborough has won Midland B for the last three years, so I think it is time to get back to winning our own league and worry about the playoffs when they come.’’

As for Tornaritis, he is looking to add one final footnote to the family history.

“I’m trying to enjoy the last moments of my name being in the high school,’’ he said. “It is going to be a special year for me. I’m hoping to push it as far as I can.’’

Lincoln-Sudbury also hopes to carry out the culture created during last season’s Division 1 state title run.

An annual weekend trip to Vermont spent camping and hiking the trails at Sugarbush has been coach Dave Hosford’s way to unite each team.

“It is one of the highlights of the year; you’re together for four days,’’ said senior forward James Loughlin. “There are a ton of memories made. “The ‘new guy’ title kind of gets lifted for the first-year guys and we really become a family.’’

The Warriors lost 12 seniors from last year’s roster, including four-time all-star and All-Scholastic goalkeeper Bobby Hurstak, who posted 15 shutouts in 2015. Seniors Matt Hyer and James Lee and sophomore Connor Lachman all have gotten time in net through the preseason. Nikhil Lele and Rory Bordiuk are also among the key returners.

Another hurdle for the Warriors will be playing without senior Ryan Donlan, who is rehabbing from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee suffered during lacrosse season. Donlan netted the only goal in the state finals, using his 6-foot-5-inch frame to head home the winner. The Bowdoin-bound midfielder hopes to return late this season, but for now he is focused on helping the new guys as much as possible.

“I have really grown as a leader,’’ Donlan said. “I can’t really lead by example because I can’t run. I’ve found other ways to lead and to help out and have been more verbal.

“This is a new team, but we are the defending state champs. We have a target on our backs. That can be tough.’’

Michael McMahon can be reached at mcman92@gmail.com.