Class A

The state champs from Waterville may not be the unbeaten powerhouse it was last year, but the Purple Panthers should still be a force in Eastern A. Waterville graduated four all-state players and lost six overall but still have a solid nucleus of that title team back. Brunswick, the regional runners-up, should be on Waterville’s heels once again while Mt. Ararat should be strong. Cony and Messalonskee could be teams that make some noise as well.

Mt. Blue hopes to be in the mix in Eastern A. The Cougars reached the regional semifinals last year but lost some regulars and their coach. The Cougars have brought in veterans Fred Conlogue and John Schoen and have 12 returnees back including all-state defender Chelsea Thompson.

Edward Little was hit hard by graduation also but return a core of seniors that should keep the Red Eddies in the playoff hunt. Midfielder Emily Grund and goalie Kirsten Prue were both all-conference players and lead EL’s hopes. Lewiston should be an improved team with 11 players returning. The Blue Devils were a competitive team but lacked scoring punch last year in going 4-8-2.

Oxford Hills could also progress after winning one game a year ago. The Vikings have 10 players back and are shooting for a playoff berth.

Class B

Mountain Valley had seven ties in 14 games last year and hope to turn those near-misses into victories. The Falcons only lost two seniors and return a whopping 19 players.

Lisbon should be another MVC team in the playoff race in Western B. The Greyhounds went 11-1-2 before losing in the quarterfinals. All-state forward Ashley Beaulieu leads a Greyhound team that has some holes to fill but should still be a team to watch in the MVC.

The Jay-Livermore Falls Wildcats surprised many by winning six games last year and earning a playoff berth. The club returns most of that team and hopes to build on last year’s success.

Poland was the team that beat the Wildcats in the Western B prelims. The Knights have 13 players back and expect to reach a third straight tournament. Another WMC team hoping to improve is Gray-New Gloucester. The Patriots won two games last year but have a veteran defense back.

Oak Hill could be another club to watch in Western B. The Raiders won six games last fall and return 12 players including all-conference goalie Maggie Sabine.

Some of the top Western B squads could be familiar clubs like York, Falmouth, Yarmouth and Maranacook. In Eastern B, Winslow and Medomak Valley could be two of the top KVAC squads. Leavitt makes its return to class B and hopes to be competitive in the KVAC. The Hornets lost 11 seniors but still have some experienced young players ready to deliver.

Class C

After going 14-0 last year, Mt. Abram will be hard-pressed to repeat that feat, but the Roadrunners should still be a contender in the MVC and Western C. Waynflete, North Yarmouth Academy and Georges Valley should all be teams vying for the regional title.

St. Dom’s joins the MVC and could be one of the tougher clubs with 12 players returning. Dirigo could be another strong club in the MVC. The Cougars have an experienced group returning and have a strong group of young players that give Dirigo a significant upside. Winthrop lost eight players from last year but still hopes to be in the playoff hunt while Monmouth hopes to improve and challenge teams in the MVC.

Class D

Rangeley reached the Western D final last year before losing to Greenville. That will be a tough feat to duplicate, but the Lakers have a promising group led by all-state forward Allie Hammond. The Lakers should be solid enough to contend once again. Buckfield hopes to build off last year’s second-place seeding. The Bucks return 10 players, including all-state forward Ashlee Hamann, who injured her knee during basketball season. The Bucks have an experienced defense and a strong midfield.

Greenville and Richmond should be competitive clubs as well and be in the playoff hunt.