It is debatable whether there is ever a good time for the boys’ soccer teams from Edward Little and Lewiston to join the KVAC Class A field, but certainly this year’s pack won’t make the transition an easy one.

The KVAC already boasted the defending Class A state champs from Lawrence, as well as traditional powers like Mt. Ararat and Brunswick.

“It’s tough in the KVAC,” said Mt. Blue coach Joel Smith. “You can have talent, but you have competition like Brunswick, Mt. Ararat and Lawrence. It’s going to be tough. Realistically, .500 is doing well. That’s where we’ve got to get right now and take every game as they come.”

Both EL and Lewiston should be competitive clubs in their new surroundings.

Edward Little had a strong defensive team and won 10 games last year before losing in the Western A quarterfinals.

They’ll be breaking in some new talent but All-Stater Patrick St. Hilaire and returnees Eric Eddy and Mike St. Hilaire will lead the charge.

“There are a lot of unknowns,” said EL coach Dave Morin. “We have inexperience in goal. Can we score more? Finding the right system for our personnel will be important. Poise under pressure is something we need to develop.”

Lewiston lost in the preliminary round last year and faces a similar rebuilding job. There are plenty of holes to fill, but it’s an experienced and athletic group. Defender Chris Jalbert, goaltender Eric Grenier and midfielder Nate Deschaine lead the group of veterans.

“We’ve got a pretty good core group that I think is going to do well,” said Lewiston coach Mike McGraw. “They’ll do well as long as they play as a team.”

Mt. Blue has nine returning starters, including seniors Luke Ferreira, Jeremy Hamel, Ben Prentiss, Nick Webster, Eben Bouchard and Nelson Emerson. The Cougars should be a competitive club, able to challenge most teams in the conference.

“The big thing for us to be successful is to make sure our defense holds together, especially against the teams we play,” said Smith. “It’s going to be a tough year, but if the defense stays intact, I think we’ll be OK.”

Leavitt is looking to improve its standing after winning just one game last year. A strong group of juniors led by Andy Moreau, John Godfrey, Adam Sawyer, Jeff Truchon, Zach Burgess and Levi Jackson could help the Hornets improve.

“The goal for our team this year is to make the playoffs,” said Leavitt coach Isaiah Davis. “That will mean a big jump in the standings and take a lot of work, but we think it is within our grasp.”

Oxford Hills won two games last year and still is trying to rebuild a winner. Mike Vieira, John Melhus, Leif Melhus, Matt Gilliam, Craig LaPlante and Willy Libby all return as Viking starters.

Lawrence is a preseason favorite with All-State keeper Nate Lovitz and midfielder Marshall Holmes leading the Bulldogs. Mt. Ararat, which lost to Lawrence in the regional final, and Brunswick both lost All-State caliber players but are strong enough programs to have a few more in store.

Other teams to watch in the Class A division are Waterville and Skowhegan. The Purple Panthers won eight games and have a strong up-and-coming team. The Indians were mostly underclassmen last year and should improve upon their five wins.

In Class B, Camden Hills may be one of the strongest clubs. The Windjammers return 10 seniors and nine juniors. MCI and Erskine each had young teams last year and could develop sound teams.

Oak Hill is looking to better its 2-10-2 mark last year and have a capable group.

All-Conference midfielder Pat Duchette is back along with seniors Jason Guerette, Kyle Lunn and Brandon Eaton.

“I expect to continue to improve and play an aggressive style of soccer,” said Oak Hill coach Joe Fletcher. “I expect to apply more pressure on the ball and limit mental mistakes.”

Maranacook lost a wealth of talent and has only seniors Charlie Calligan, Piner Markovchick, Pat Bates, Ed Hunter and Tyler Simpson returning.

“We can play with the best or we can play with the worst,” said new coach Don Beckwith. “It depends on who gets off the bus.”

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