The St. Dom’s boys’ soccer team might have been a quiet entry into the Western C tournament last year, but the seventh-ranked Saints made plenty of noise claiming their second state title this decade. The Saints should be among the top local soccer teams again this fall while teams like Mountain Valley, Mt. Blue and Mt. Abram could be clubs to watch as well.

Class A

Mt. Blue has two all-conference players leading a team that should better its .500 mark of last year. Both Lewiston and Edward Little should be solid clubs that will be in the tournament mix. Leavitt lost plenty of talent from a team that reached the quarterfinals, but the Hornets hope to challenge for a third playoff spot in four years. Waterville and Messalonskee should be forces in the KVAC North. Mt. Ararat has a bulk of returning upperclassmen while the defending regional champs from Brunswick should be strong in the South

Oxford Hills has a new coach and has a large group back hoping to be competitive.

Class B

Lisbon won 12 games last year before losing in the quarterfinals. The Greyhounds have a new coach but return 12 upperclassmen that should keep Lisbon among the top Western B squads. Mountain Valley could be on the rise with eight returning players and some promising newcomers.

Maranacook, Falmouth and Yarmouth remain constant contenders in Western B. Oak Hill is optimistic about a good season while Poland hopes to make strides as well. Fryeburg and Gray-New Gloucester look to improve on last year’s three wins apiece.

In Eastern B, Erskine and Winslow could be contenders.

Class C

St. Dom’s lost some key players but still return nine starters from the state title team. NYA will challenge them in the WMC but have to adjust to a new coach after Josh Muscadin resigned during the preseason after he told local media about Olympic experiences he never had.

Georges Valley will be tough in the MVC while Mt. Abram, which was second last year and lost to the Saints in the tournament, have a strong returning front-line and midfield. Telstar has eight starters back, including seven seniors. Livermore Falls and Dirigo were both hit hard by graduation but hope to challenge. Jay returns much of its team and continues its progression.

Class D

Richmond is aiming for a second straight state title. The Bobcats should be the favorite. Greenville and Vinalhaven could be tournament teams as well. After three wins, Buckfield expects to be improved. Rangeley lost some veterans and will try to rebuild after winning 12 games last year.

– Kevin Mills