CLASS A EAST

No. 4 Messalonskee (6-3) at No. 1 Lawrence (9-0)

Friday, 7 p.m.

Last meeting: Lawrence won, 25-16, last week.

Lawrence shut down the double wing in the first half, then the Eagles opened it up in the second half and had some success. Hard to imagine they’ll be able to win this one through the air, though.

No. 3 Brunswick (7-2) at No. 2 Bangor (7-2)

Advertisement

Friday, 7 p.m.

Last meeting: Bangor won, 21-20, in Week 1.

The Dragons fumbled six times and failed on a two-point conversion in the loss, but that was a long time ago. More relevant is the health of Bangor’s Zeb Tuell and Wyatt Frost, who returned last week from injuries. Brunswick’s staunch defense, which gives up 7.9 points per game, will have its toughest test yet.

CLASS A WEST

No. 5 Deering (6-3) at No. 1 Cheverus (9-0)

Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

Advertisement

Last meeting: Cheverus won, 14-0, in Week 8.

The Stags won’t have potential Fitzy finalist QB Spencer Cooke (injured leg) for the rest of the season. But their defense made the biggest difference in the first game. A repeat of last year’s 35-34 epic final is unlikely.

No. 3 South Portland (7-2) at No. 2 Thornton Academy (8-1)

Saturday, 1 p.m.

Last meeting: South Portland won, 20-16, in Week 2.

Has it really been 11 years since the Red Riots last made the semifinals? Trojans hope a tougher regular season schedule has them better prepared for November football.

Advertisement

CLASS B EAST

No. 5 Hampden Academy (6-3) at No. 1 Leavitt (9-0)

Friday, 7 p.m.

Last meeting: Leavitt won, 27-6, in Week 1.

A Broncos-Hornets game is always a bloody-knuckle affair, and Leavitt’s offensive and defensive lines always have the last laugh.

No. 3 Gardiner (7-2) at No. 2 Mt. Blue (8-1)

Advertisement

Friday, 7 p.m.

Last meeting: Mt. Blue won, 43-26, in Week 4.

The last time, the Cougars jumped out to an early 22-7 lead then knocked out Tigers star RB Alonzo Connor in the first half with an elbow injury. Connor and the Tigers will be looking for revenge.

CLASS B WEST

No. 5 Westbrook (5-4) at No. 1 Wells (9-0)

Friday, 7 p.m.

Advertisement

Last meeting: Wells won, 27-14, in Week 2.

The Blue Blazes have won four straight and have a Cinderella look to them. Warriors QB Paul McDonough returned from a leg injury last week to throw a TD pass in the quarterfinal win over York.

No. 3 Cape Elizabeth (7-2) at No. 2 Mountain Valley (8-1)

Friday, 7 p.m.

Last meeting: Mountain Valley won, 20-14, in Week 8

After a one-year reprieve, the rivals meet in the playoffs for the fifth time in six years (Every other meeting was in the regional final, with the Falcons holding a 4-1 lead). The Falcons are just grateful for little things at this point, like a neutral timekeeper.

Advertisement

CLASS C WEST

No. 4 Lisbon (7-2) at No. 1 Yarmouth (9-0)

Friday, 7 p.m.

Last meeting: Yarmouth won, 34-6, in Week 5.

Yarmouth RB Anders Overhaug ran 13 times for 178 yards and five TDs the first time. If only stopping him was all the Greyhounds had to worry about.

No. 3 Maranacook (8-1) at No. 2 Traip Academy (7-2)

Advertisement

Saturday, 1 p.m.

Last meeting: Maranacook won, 22-6, in Week 1

This game is a toss-up. The only certainty is there won’t be a more physical game in the state this weekend.

CLASS C EAST

No. 5 Foxcroft Academy (6-3) at No. 1 Bucksport (9-0)

Friday, 7 p.m.

Advertisement

Last meeting: Bucksport won, 22-8, in Week 7.

The Ponies held an 8-0 lead at halftime before Bucksport’s special teams and RB Shawn Smith took over in the second half.

No. 3 John Bapst (7-2) at No. 2 Orono (8-1)

Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last meeting: Orono won, 46-21, in Week 8

Orono boasts the most prolific offense in the state (50.2 ppg). And with the game being moved to the turf field at the University of Maine due to an unplayable home field, there’s no reason to expect the Red Riots to slow down.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

filed under: