The last two seasons, the Mt. Abram boys’ soccer team has taken a step forward.

In 2003, after a quarterfinal loss the previous fall, the Roadrunners reached the Western C semifinals, only to lose a heartbreaker to North Yarmouth Academy. Last year, Mt. Abram avenged that loss with a semifinal win over the Panthers to reach the Western C final.

The Roadrunners lost a heap of talent from that squad that lost to Carrabec in the regional championship, but Mt. Abram was filling significant voids last year and managed to succeed.

Mt. Abram hopes to be a threat in the Western C playoff race again. The Roadrunners return much of their defense and has some quickness up front that could spark the offense.

The Roadrunners won’t be alone in the chase for a Western C crown. Long-time coach Sam Pendleton returns to Georges Valley and should have the Bucs in contention. The defending champs from Carrabec lost just three seniors. Monmouth has the bulk of its team back as well.

A couple of WMC teams may have their say. NYA has a bundle of starters back, and St. Dom’s has been impressive in preseason against heavy hitters Brunswick and Maranacook. Waynflete’s move up to Class C could make it a very crowded playoff field.

With the Flyers move out of Class D, that opens the door for some EWC teams. Buckfield, Richmond and Rangeley could all challenge for a date in the regional final.

In Class A, Waterville, Brunswick and Mt. Ararat should be the favorites. The Purple Panthers have a strong group of juniors moving up after winning 11 games last year. Both Brunswick and Mt. Ararat lost valuable seniors, but have a nucleus of players returning that will keep them in the hunt.

Lewiston, which went 11-2-1 last year and eventually lost to Mt. Ararat in the shootout, has a contingent back that could put the Blue Devils at the top of the heap.

Greely lost nine seniors but still has a bundle of juniors returning from last year’s state championship team, making them a team to beat in Western Maine. Cheverus, Cape Elizabeth and Scarborough may not be far behind.

Class B will have its familiar contenders. Falmouth, Yarmouth, Gorham and York will field strong teams while Maranacook should come out of the KVAC playoffs-ready.

–Kevin Mills