Any other year, the girls’ soccer teams from Lewiston, Edward Little and Oxford Hills might have pretty high expectations about what they could do this fall. All three teams have great playoff potential but those hopes have to be tempered a bit thanks to a new schedule and the fact that the defending state champions from Brunswick graduated just one senior. The Dragons and their stingy defense return virtually intact and should be the favorite in Eastern A. Lewiston, Edward Little and Oxford Hills have solid clubs that could make some noise in the Eastern A tournament, but they’ll have to get through a tough regular-season schedule which has them playing primarily the Southern KVAC teams twice. Mt. Ararat, Waterville and Erskine could be other KVAC teams to keep an eye on. Hampden has the majority of its team back and could be in the playoff field as well. Greely lost in the state game to Brunswick in a shootout. The Rangers had just three seniors on that club, making them the favorite in the West.

Class C

In Class C, Dirigo lost in the regional final to NYA. The Cougars have to replace its share of all-star talent but have enough experience to put them in contention again. Mt. Abram could do the same. Monmouth and Winthrop both went through rebuilding years last year and could benefit with strong clubs. NYA had 12 juniors and sophomores on last year’s state championship team. St. Dom’s has a wealth of seniors to replace but could earn a spot in the Western C field that will be even more crowded with the addition of Waynflete.

Class B

In Class B, Lisbon expects to have a playoff-caliber team but WMC clubs like Falmouth, Yarmouth and York will make it tough going. Maranacook has one of its strongest teams ever after losing in the Western B final.

Class D

The Class D field may come down to Richmond, Buckfield and Rangeley. With Waynflete out of the picture, Richmond and Buckfield have strong teams returning with high hopes. The Lakers have enough talent to make a difference.

-Kevin Mills