1. Cheverus

Stags have Class A state championship game star Spencer Cooke back. Oh, and some guy named John Wolfgram on the sideline. They’re here until further notice.

2. Windham

Gutted by graduation after their 2009 state title, the Eagles got better every week last season. That usually bodes well for the encore.

3. Lewiston

Road schedule might dash any Devils dreams of perfection. Based purely on returning talent, though, nobody in Eastern A is better.

4. Bonny Eagle

Not quite the dynasty a lot of us anticipated three or four years ago, but the Scots give the impression they’re just waiting their turn.

5. Lawrence

If there’s a tougher joint in Maine for a road team than Pete Cooper Stadium, Keyes Field, Fairfield, we haven’t seen it.

6. Leavitt

Eastern B champions return the best QB in the state (Jordan Hersom) and a 1,000-yard back (Jake Ouellette). You don’t need a whole lot more in Class B.

7. Mt. Blue

Cougars finally got Gary Parlin’s wish to face people in their own enrollment bracket. Of course, it’s a year they might have reached the Class A final.

8. Bangor

Two or three teams in the state could have a half-dozen guys playing a sport in college the next year and live to tell about it. Rams are one of ’em.

9. Mountain Valley

Not buying the argument that Wells is better. After years of watching these Rumford/Mexico kids, we’re too well informed to be their bulletin-board fodder.

10. Thornton

Trojans have been kings of the regular season and a playoff flameout in recent years. Maybe it’s good for them to start down here, barely on the radar screen.