When it comes to the local lacrosse scene, there hasn’t been many programs to challenge the Lewiston Blue Devils.

There still aren’t.

Lewiston is going to be much younger this time around, with 33 sophomores and freshmen involved in the program compared to just six seniors.

But young doesn’t necessarily mean rebuilding. The Blue Devils have quality players among the younger set, and if there is a drop off from last season, it won’t be a big one. Look for Lewiston, Messalonskee and Brunswick to again be the league’s top teams in Class A.

Edward Little has been coming along slowly, and gaining steam, and the Eddies should be a solid mid-pack team this time around, improving on its three-win season from a year ago.

At Oxford Hills, the only way to go is up after a winless 2008 campaign, something this year’s squad is dedicated to making sure doesn’t happen again.

Class B

Some of the best battles will come early in this conference, specifically on opening night. Oak Hill and Mt. Blue figure to once again be comparable in ability, and both a smidge better than last year. The Cougars and Raiders meet Friday in the opener.

Oak Hill will be looking to defend the KVAC Class B crown it won last year, and returns most of the team it won with.

Mt. Blue will have to fight off a lack of preseason field time to get into the swing of things early, but the Cougars proved last year there is some talent in those hills.

St. Dom’s is an intriguing team because the Saints play a schedule different from their KVAC brethren. Last year’s 8-4 record may even improve this year as a large core of athletes return, with some younger talent ready to step in.

Mountain Valley and Fryeburg will both be looking to improve on their last-place finishes last season, and the Falcons may have the tools to do it this season.

Players to watch

Ben Adams, St. Dom’s

Matt Adams, St. Dom’s

Ben Altmeier, Mt. Blue

Dana Aube, Oxford Hills

Matt Averill, Oak Hill

Zac Bennett, Edward Little

Tim Brodsky, Edward Little

Jordon Bundy, Oxford Hills

Zac Conlogue, Mt. Blue

Cody Dussault, Lewiston

Riley Eusden, Oxford Hills

Caleb Fournier, Oak Hill

Trevar Haefele, St. Dom’s

Troy Haefele

Drew Janelle, Oak Hill

Jesse Leeman, Lewiston

Ben Lewis, St. Dom’s

Tom Lynch, Edward Little

Myles Mercier, Mtn. Valley

Tyler Michaud, Oak Hill

Matthew Mowatt, Mtn. Valley

Cam Poussard, Lewiston

Isiah Rembert, Edward Little

Michael Rocray, Mtn. Valley

Cody Rodrigue, St. Dom’s

Hunter Rowell, Oxford Hills

Craig Sirois, Lewiston

Alex Stone, Lewiston

Tony Vattaso, Oak Hill

Tyler Wells, Oak Hill