KVAC

The Lewiston Blue Devils lost most of their varsity lineup to graduation and will no longer be the odds-on favorite to capture the KVAC crown this season. But they’re not going away quietly. With some returning talent and a few up-and-comers, the Blue Devils will again be one of the favorites to advance through their division into the KVAC championships. Edward Little returns enough golfers from a better-than-average squad to perhaps give Lewiston a run, while Leavitt and Oxford Hills are each about a year away from that distinction.

Mt. Blue should be solid, too, and will contend for the top spot in their own division within the KVAC. Their main competition will be Waterville.

Overall, look for Brunswick to be the toast of the conference and the league’s top representative to the state tournament.

In Class B, Oak Hill will be at least on par with its finish last year, if not better, with Chris Blais and Chris Bowden leading the way. Still, the Raiders will still be chasing the likes of Maranacook. The Black Bears have a ton of returning senior talent and should be at or near the top of the KVAC. Winslow, Lincoln and Medomak Valley also bear watching.

MVC

The two beasts of the conference graduated a ton of talent. Telstar lost its top three, who led the team to back-to-back Class C state titles, while Mountain Valley is missing nine seniors from last year’s third-place finishers.

Still, the Falcons will be able to compete with three golfers coming back. The toast of the conference this season is likely to be Winthrop. Seven golfers return for coach Jay Calnan, including a trio of seniors ready to lead the team to a conference title.

Hall Dale and Madison will provide the best competition for the Ramblers this season, though don’t count out the Falcons, or even the Rebels, from giving Winthrop all it can handle.

Monmouth, meanwhile, returns all but one golfer from last year’s team, and should be able to crack into the win column this season.

WMC

Like last season, there is a team in the conference with the ability to run away with the division title and, perhaps, qualify for the Class B state matches.

This time, though, that team is Gray-New Gloucester. With a trio of top returning seniors and a few incoming underclassmen with experience, the Patriots are the favorites in their division, which also includes Lake Region, St. Dom’s and Poland. The Knights, meanwhile, are reeling from graduation losses, but should still send a competitive group to the tee.

St. Dom’s will have the benefit of a new coach and solid but young group of returning players, and should do well among the Class C schools.

Fryeburg also returns a solid core, and will likely push above the .500 mark this season.

Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth and York should also field competitive Class B squads this season.

EWC

Buckfield and Rangeley will be on a more even keel this year, and should challenge each other for the top of the conference. The Bucks lost top golfer Matt Lowell to graduation, while the Lakers return plenty of talent to at least have a shot at the top.

Forest Hills of Jackman and Greenville will also field strong groups, adding to the chase for the lone spot in the state tournament.

jpelletier@sunjournal.com