HS football: The week ahead

This weekend's games

Mtn. Valley (7-1) at Cape Elizabeth (8-0)

Friday, 7 p.m.

Don't want to say this one's lost a little bit of luster, but OK, it has. MV needs to rediscover defense that shut out five of its first six opponents to have a shot.

Mt. Blue (3-5) at Bangor (8-0)

Friday, 7 p.m.

As the Cougars have learned in recent years, sneaking into the playoffs has its, um, privileges.

Lewiston (6-2) at Messalonskee (5-3)

Friday, 7 p.m.

Overall strength of the PTC North gave the Eagles home field. Now we'll see if it makes any difference between the lines.

Belfast (2-6) at Leavitt (8-0)

Friday, 7 p.m.

Give us Foregone Conclusions for $800, Alex.

Yarmouth (6-2) at Liv. Falls (7-1)

Friday, 7 p.m.

Dangerous first-round draw for the Andies. And buy that scoreboard operator some extra fries at the snack shack: These teams combined for nearly 700 points this year.

Oak Hill (4-4) at Old Orchard (6-2)

Friday, 7 p.m.

Common opponents: Both defeated Yarmouth. Each suffered a frustrating loss to Lisbon. Should be as close it that makes it sound.

Maranacook (4-4) at Dirigo (8-0)

Saturday, 1 p.m.

Black Bears are perhaps five plays away from being 7-1. But that one was a one-sided loss in Dixfield two weeks ago.

Winthrop (5-3) at Lisbon (6-2)

Saturday, 1 p.m.

Ramblers haven't allowed a point in six quarters, four of those against Lisbon last week. Then again, the Greyhounds have been known to take advantage of second chances over the years.

Gray-NG (3-5) at Poland (0-8)

Saturday, 1 p.m.

"The Battle of Shaker Hill" sounds positively Revolutionary War-like. So maybe the Knights have reason to hope that Navy's triple option offense will help them spring the upset.