CLASS B
GAME OF THE WEEK
LAWRENCE (2-2) at MESSALONSKEE (2-2)
Where: Veterans Field, Oakland
When: 7 tonight
Last week: Lawrence lost to Bangor 33-24, Messalonskee def. Gardiner 13-6
Last meeting: Lawrence def. Messalonskee 41-6 (2023, Week 7)
Impact players: Lawrence — Michael Hamlin (QB), Colton Carter (RB/LB), Brady Richards (OL/DL), Dustan Hunter-Bellows (RB/DB); Messalonskee — Tatum Doucette (QB/DB), Drake Brunelle (WR/DB), Dawson Dingus (LB), Denny Martin (TE/DL)
Outlook: It’s a logjam behind Falmouth in Class B North with four teams at 2-2 midway through the regular season. Among them are Lawrence and Messalonskee, both of which have the chance to set their seasons on course for success with a win in this key Pine Tree Conference clash in Oakland.
Although Lawrence’s offensive line lacks the experience of last year’s unit, the Bulldogs have still found some success in the run game through Carter, Hunter-Bellows and Preston Roy. Hamlin has also improved in the pass game, as he showed by throwing for 117 yards in the first quarter of Lawrence’s Week 3 win against Skowhegan. The Bulldogs are also solid in the secondary with Hunter-Bellows and Keegan Littlefield and up front with Richards and Jeremy Thompson.
As for Messalonskee, every game the Eagles have played this year has been tight. The team had a much-needed defensive performance in the win over Gardiner after giving up 103 points over its first three games. Offensively, Doucette is a weapon with his arm and his legs and could be called upon heavily in this one. Landon Rancourt is likely to miss his third straight game at running back with an injury, meaning Hayden Pierce will be counted on to step up in that spot again.
Lawrence wins if… it can establish the run. There’s no need to overthink it — the run game is the Bulldogs’ bread and butter, and when they get it going, they tend to win. It’s tough to throw on Messalonskee anyway with one of the best defensive backs in all of Maine in Drake Brunelle, so leaning on a talented trio of running backs in Carter, Hunter-Bellows and Roy is probably the way to go if Lawrence wants to leave Veterans Field with a victory.
Messalonskee wins if… it can find success through the air. After airing it out plenty last year, the Eagles’ passing game hasn’t quite reached the same level in 2024. Lawrence’s first defeat this season came with Cony’s Parker Morin passing for 234 yards and three scores. A Messalonskee win tonight would probably look similar (especially with Rancourt sidelined), so you might see Doucette target Brunelle and Malachi Cusano plenty.
FALMOUTH (4-0) at MT. BLUE (1-3)
Where: Caldwell Field, Farmington
When: 7 tonight
Last week: Falmouth def. Fryeburg Academy 15-14; Mt. Blue lost to Skowhegan 20-8
Last meeting: Falmouth def. Mt. Blue 21-12 (2023, Week 6)
Impact players: Falmouth — Indi Backman (RB/LB), Tres Walker (QB), Thomas Gale (OL/DL), Gio Guerrette (WR/LB); Mt. Blue — Joey Hayden (OL/DL), Sam Rackliff (OL/DL), Gary Harkins (QB/DB), Dane Cousineau (RB/LB)
Outlook: After emerging from possibly the toughest part of its schedule unscathed, Falmouth is looking like the toast of the Pine Tree Conference. A Navigators team loaded with top athletes will be heavy a favorite on the road against a Mt. Blue squad that’s struggled on offense three weeks in a row now since a season-opening win over Brewer.
SKOWHEGAN (1-3) at GARDINER (2-2)
Where: Hoch Field, Gardiner
When: 7 tonight
Last week: Skowhegan def. Mt. Blue 20-8; Gardiner lost to Messalonskee 13-6
Last meeting: Gardiner def. Skowhegan 41-8 (2023, Class B North quarterfinals)
Impact players: Skowhegan — Trevor Austin (WR/DB), Miller Foss (WR/DB), Bryson Howard (RB/DL), Sebastian Stewart (OL/DL); Gardiner — Asher Nagy (QB), Kyle Doody (RB/DE), Owen Chadwick (RB/DB), Brayden Elliott (WR/DB)
Outlook: The River Hawks picked up their first win of the season last week against Mt. Blue, putting together their best offensive effort since a 32-21 loss to Hampden Academy in Week 1. They’ll need a similar effort to beat the Tigers, who are proving to have one of the more stout defenses in Class B North. Gardiner has allowed 54 points in its first four games (13.5 points per game) but just 28 points in the last three weeks (9 ppg).
CROSSOVER
SCARBOROUGH (1-3) at CONY (2-2)
Where: Fuller Field, Augusta
When: 7 tonight
Last week: Scarborough lost to Oxford Hills 40-0; Cony lost to Leavitt 28-25
Last meeting: Scarborough def. Cony 21-14 (2021, Week 5)
Impact players: Scarborough — Cole Tomuschat (OL/DL), Kevin Collins (RB/DB), Nate Murray (OL/DL), Logan Noone (TE/LB); Cony — Parker Morin (QB), Ethan Demmons (WR/DB), Bohdy King Jones (OL/DL), Anderson Noyes (RB/DB), Anderson St. Onge (RB/LB)
Outlook: After two straight losses, the Rams find themselves in need of a victory to stay among a group of area schools battling for Class B North playoff positioning. Cony seemed to get its offense back on track last week, nearly rallying back to beat Leavitt, but will need to clean up the penalties that hurt in the loss. Scarborough, which finished 1-7 last year, is once again struggling, having been shut out each of the last two weeks. Collins is a dangerous threat in the secondary for the Red Storm.
MAINE CENTRAL INSTITUTE (2-2) at BREWER (0-4)
Where: Doyle Field, Brewer
When: 6 tonight
Last week: MCI def. Belfast 34-0; Brewer lost to Oceanside 52-32
Last meeting: No recent meeting between teams
Impact players: MCI — Drew Shorey (WR/DB), Caleb Kennedy (WR/DB), Oscar Keresey (OL/DL), Dom Rizza (OL/LB); Brewer — Ethan Leavitt (QB/CB), Caleb Colby (TE/DE), Jake Perry (WR/DB), Matt Gonzales (OL/LB)
Outlook: The Huskies gained their confidence back in a beatdown over Belfast last week. It was the best performance of the season for MCI on both sides of the ball. They may be able to carry that momentum into a Class C/D matchup against the Witches, who have yet to win a game for new head coach Fred Lower. Brewer, currently in last place in the C North standings, has allowed 163 points (40.8 points per game) in its first four weeks.
CLASS C
HAMPDEN ACADEMY (2-2) at NOKOMIS (1-3)
Where: Nokomis Regional High School, Newport
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Last week: Hampden lost to Medomak Valley 18-0; Nokomis lost to Hermon 28-26 (OT)
Last meeting: Nokomis def. Hampden Academy 14-13 (2023, Class C North quarterfinals)
Impact players: Hampden Academy — Andy Henaghen (WR/LB), Kaysen Wildman (WR/LB), Nick Johnston (QB), Brady Smith (LB); Nokomis — Seth Bowden (RB/LB), Landon Rowell (QB/LB), Jeff Carr (RB/DB), Kentin Snowman (OL/DL)
Outlook: This has the potential to be an excellent Class C North matchup. Although they’ve lost three straight, the Warriors have shown the ability to fight with the top teams in the conference and nearly pulled off a victory over Hermon last week. Like Nokomis, Hampden has been in a slugfest with Hermon and has a victory over a Class B squad (a 32-21 win over Skowhegan on Sept. 6) on its resume. This is a battle for the No. 4 seed in the C North standings.
CLASS D
WINSLOW (2-2) at JOHN BAPST (1-3)
Where: Cameron Stadium, Bangor
When: 7 tonight
Last week: Winslow lost to Lisbon 26-20; John Bapst lost to Old Town 40-27
Last meeting: Winslow def. John Bapst 55-6 (2016, Week 3)
Impact players: Winslow — Hassan Hobbi (RB/K), Tucker Pomerleau (QB), Liem Fortin (RB/LB), Seth Bard (OL/LB); John Bapst — Aiden Ouellette (QB/DB), Malcolm Butler (HB/LB), Thomas Curtis (RB/LB)
Outlook: Winslow will try to get back on track after two consecutive losses. The weapons are there for the Black Raiders as Hobbi and Fortin have each had big days on the ground early in the season. They’ll have a shot at a breakout performance against the Crusaders, who through four games have had up-and-down performances on both sides of the ball.
MADISON (1-3) at MATTANAWCOOK ACADEMY (2-2)
Where: Curry Field, Lincoln
When: 7 tonight
Last week: Madison lost to Dirigo 40-0; Mattanawcook lost to Foxcroft 20-6
Last meeting: Madison def. Mattanawcook 43-20 (1989, Week 5)
Impact players: Madison — Nate Cornforth (TE/DL), Mason Courtney (OL/DL), Jacob Hilenski (RB/LB), Bryce Horton (WR/DB), Mattanawcook — Austen Jipson (RB/DB), Kooper McCarthy (RB/LB), Ian Friend (OL/LB), Harper Jenkins (QB)
Outlook: It’s the first meeting in 35 years between these mill-town teams. Mattanawcook’s defense looked solid in the loss to Foxcroft, and the Lynx will look to the Wing-T to move the ball against the Bulldogs with Jipson and McCarthy. Madison must win the battle in the trenches against Mattanawcook or the 115-mile bus ride back from Lincoln will be a long one.
OAK HILL (2-2) at WELLS (4-0)
Where: Warrior Memorial Field, Wells
When: 6:30 tonight
Last week: Oak Hill lost to Winthrop 22-21; Wells def. Mountain Valley 47-0
Last meeting: Wells def. Oak Hill 31-0 (2023, Week 1)
Impact players: Oak Hill — Forrest St. Laurent (OL/DL), Kaiden Delano (RB/LB), Braden Dubuc (QB), P.J. Smith (WR/DB); Wells — Cody Haynes (OL/DL), Eli Potter (RB/LB), Dom Carbonneau (WR), Will Martinez (OL/DL)
Outlook: The Warriors continue to make it look easy in Class D South, burying Mountain Valley in the blink of an eye last week. Oak Hill, though, is better than anyone Wells has faced out of D South so far, and the Warriors’ run defense will have to be prepared for Delano and Smith in the passing game and Delano on the ground. Still, expect the Warriors to come out on top here.
WINTHROP (4-0) at POLAND (0-4)
Where: Poland Regional High School
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Last week: Winthrop def. Oak Hill 22-21; Poland lost to Maranacook 41-13
Last meeting: Winthrop def. Poland 28-8 (2023, Week 6)
Impact players: Winthrop — Carter Rivers (RB), Cody Cobb (RB/LB), Hunter Reynolds (OL/DL), Ben Porter (WR/DB); Poland — Damon Martin (QB/DB), Liam Fifield (TE/DL), Nolan O’Driscoll (OT/LB), Alex Tarmey (WR)
Outlook: The Ramblers had their closest game of the season last week against Oak Hill but still pulled out a victory. The rushing attack of Rivers and Cobb continues to be the best in central Maine, led by a strong offensive line. They will be used early and often against the Knights, who allowed Maranacook to rack up 406 yards on the ground last week. Martin has speed and makes plays on both sides of the ball.
MARANACOOK (2-1) at FREEPORT (1-3)
Where: Samuelson Track & Field, Freeport
When: 6 tonight
Last week: Maranacook def. Poland 41-13; Freeport lost to Cape Elizabeth 21-3
Last meeting: Maranacook def. Freeport 30-6 (2011, Class C West quarterfinals)
Impact players: Maranacook — Parker Rand (QB/K), Jack Crosby (RB/LB), Cam Griffey (OL/DL), Brayden Quinn (WR); Freeport — David Ulrickson (WR), Teddy Peters (QB), Ben Bolduc (RB/LB), Jacob Benjamin (OL/DL)
Outlook: Maranacook couldn’t have asked for a better performance off the bye than it got with the 406-yard effort on the ground in the victory over Poland. Freeport, meanwhile, has been a mixed bag, taking down Dirigo to open the season but putting forth a poor showing in the loss to Cape Elizabeth. It’s no gimme, but the Black Bears have a good chance to move to 3-1.
8-MAN
GRAY-NEW GLOUCESTER (2-2) at WATERVILLE (0-4)
Where: Drummond Field, Waterville
When: 1 p.m., Saturday
Last week: Gray-New Gloucester lost to Camden Hills 25-11; Waterville lost to Mt. Ararat 60-0
Last meeting: No recent meeting between teams
Impact players: Gray-New Gloucester — Isaac Ormberg (WR/RB/LB), Kobi Conant (QB/DB), Brody Tracy (TE/LB), Kody Tracy (WR/DB); Waterville — Donovan Porter (RB/LB), Liam Pelotte (OL/DL), Xander Kornsey (OL/DL), Damien Prindall (QB)
Outlook: The Purple Panthers are still seeking their first win of the season and have had strong struggles on both sides of the ball. In the last three games, Waterville has been outscored by a 157-8 margin against some of the top programs in the eight-man Large division. They get another challenge this week with the Patriots, who are led by a talented quarterback in Conant and a multi-purpose threat in Ormberg. Kody Tracy also provides another strong option for Conant in the passing game.
SACOPEE VALLEY (3-1) at MOUNT VIEW (0-4)
Where: Mount View High School, Thorndike
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Last week: Sacopee Valley def. Telstar 56-28; Mount View lost to Boothbay 70-0
Last meeting: Sacopee Valley def. Mount View 46-26 (2023, Week 1)
Impact players: Sacopee Valley — Tyler Easterbrooks (QB), Max Tripp (RB/LB), Bradly Metcalf (WR/DB), Steven Solomon (OL/DL); Mount View — Jayden Hasenbank (TE/DL), Kalyb Dodge (QB), Aaron Hartley (RB)
Outlook: After years of struggles, Sacopee Valley has hit its stride the past two seasons. Easterbrooks is one of the top quarterbacks in eight-man football and leads an offense that’s averaged 45 points per game through its first four games. The Hawks will roll past Mount View to inch closer to their second consecutive winning season.
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