Class A

Lewiston won the KVAC title and finished second in Eastern A with 12 wins. The Blue Devils were expected to challenge for at least a regional crown before Messalonskee stunned them in the tourney opener. The Blue Devils lost a wealth of talent, but still have a skilled group that could make Lewiston a team to watch.

Mt. Blue was also a playoff team last year, losing in the quarterfinals. The Cougars hope to match or improve upon their 7-5-3 record and earn another playoff spot. Mt. Blue lost two all-conference players, but return enough talent to make some noise.

Edward Little missed the tourney last year with a 5-8-1 mark. EL graduated its entire starting defense and its top scorer, making for a tough rebound.

Oxford Hills went 2-10-2 but has a strong returning group. With that added seasoning, the Vikings hope to improve upon last year and be a tough foe in the KVAC.

Bangor and Brunswick should be two of the top teams in Eastern A.  Mt. Ararat is always tough and should rebound after a losing season. Messalonskee, Erskine and Hampden should be in the playoff chase as well.

Class B

Gray-New Gloucester went 7-7-1 and lost in the Western B quarterfinals. The Patriots have a good portion of that team back. That should make the team a seasoned and experienced group who should battle through a tough Western Maine Conference schedule toward a playoff spot.

Oak Hill won seven games last year and earned the final tourney berth in Western B. The Raiders have enough returning to keep those playoff hopes alive.

Leavitt, on the other hand, came up just short with six wins and the ninth seeding. The Hornets have their sights set on earning those extra wins to get them into the playoff hunt.

Despite three wins last year, Mountain Valley sees a promising season ahead. The Falcons graduated five players and have 17 newcomers. Between the experienced returning group and the enthusiasm of the new players, the Falcons are excited about the possibilities this fall.

Poland has made steady progress in recent seasons. Kris Wright, who coached at Leavitt last year, returns to the Knights program and likes what he’s seen so far. Poland hope to continue that improvement.

Yarmouth, Maranacook and Falmouth were the top three squads a year ago and should be forces again this year. York should also be strong.

Class C

St. Dom’s lost much of the team that made the Saints so dominant in the Mountain Valley Conference last year.  With a new coach and a dozen or so returning players, the Saints won’t be the force they were, but should still be a strong club.

Dirigo was another team who had high hopes going into the tournament only to be ousted in the first game. The Cougars have much of that team back, including most of their defense and top scorers. That should make Dirigo a contender again.

The rest of the MVC is looking pretty formidable as well. Mt. Abram has a promising club back, led by two all-conference players. The Roadrunners have lost in the first round the last two years, but hope to change that this fall.

Spruce Mountain could be a team to watch, as well. The Phoenix combined Jay and Livermore Falls and have the kind of depth neither program had before. If they meld together well, the Phoenix will be a strong club.

Lisbon drops down the Western C. After winning five games and missing the tourney, the Greyhounds have a pair of all-conference players leading the way on a team that should contend for a playoff spot.

Monmouth also won five games last fall, but returns most of its team, including its top scorer. The Mustang are continuing to close the gap with other MVC teams and should be a tough foe.

Winthrop has its sights set high as well. This Rambler team might be the most experienced and seasoned club Winthrop has had in recent years. Telstar won eight games last year and earned a tourney berth, but return just eight upperclassmen and have a relatively young squad.

Wiscasset and Hall-Dale were strong clubs last year and should be formidable clubs in the MVC. Waynflete and NYA will be teams to watch at playoff time. Sacopee Valley is another WMC team who could contend for a tourney spot.

Class D

Buckfield went 7-5-1 and lost in the Western D quarterfinals in overtime. The Bucks return a good portion of that team, including three players who scored at least nine goals. There’s experience on offense and defense, which could put the Bucks in tourney contention.

Rangeley has missed the postseason the last three years and are hoping to improve upon last year’s losing mark.

Richmond and Greenville should be the top two squads once again. Islesboro and Vinalhaven could be in the chase for tourney spots as well.