It was a pretty decent fall season for teams from Maranacook, Dirigo and St. Dom’s last fall. All three teams made the playoffs and posted winning records but their success last year might have just been a foreshadowing of better things to come this season. The Black Bears, Cougars and Saints are among the preseason squads with high hopes for the upcoming soccer season.

Class A

Brunswick and Mt. Ararat will be in their accustomed position at the top of the KVAC. The Dragons, which lost to Bangor in the regional final, lost key personnel but should be a force once again. Messalonskee and Erskine were both playoff contenders last year but lost plenty of talent, but Waterville managed 10 wins despite being built around a young squad. Lewiston and Oxford Hills both reached the quarterfinal round. The Blue Devils graduated 10 seniors and have new players in key roles. The Vikings lost a valuable group of veterans but have a nucleus of talent back that could make them a playoff team again. Edward Little lost in the preliminary round and replaced most of its defense, but the Red Eddies could be an up-and-coming squad. Mt. Blue should continue its progress and be a threat this season with a solid group returning.

Class B

Maranacook went 12-1-1 and reached the Western B semifinal before losing to Yarmouth. The Black Bears lost three all-state players but still have plenty of talent to make some noise in the playoffs. Winslow, the Eastern B champs, should be a force again. The Black Raiders were the only team to beat Maranacook in the regular season and went unbeaten until the playoffs despite being a team comprised of mostly sophomores. Oak Hill is young and building but could make some progress in the KVAC B field. In the Western Maine Conference, traditional powers Falmouth, Yarmouth and York should be teams to beat.

Class C

St. Dom’s lost in the semifinals to Mt. Abram last fall but graduated just two seniors. The Saints should be a contender in the WMC field as will the defending state champs from NYA and Waynflete. In the MVC, Dirigo could have one of its strongest groups in years. The Cougars lost in the quarterfinals but have a veteran group of seniors, a solid midfield and a balanced offensive attack that could produce plenty of wins. Mt. Abram, which lost in the regional final to NYA, lost a couple key players but could have the makings of another contender. Georges Valley and Monmouth could also be MVC squads in the playoff chase.

Class D

Richmond lost in the regional final to Greenville last fall but should contend for a title once again. Buckfield and Rangeley each lost in the semifinals and should field competitive playoff squads again.

– Kevin Mills