Buckfield Bucks

Coach: Larry Thornton (fourth year)

Class: D South; Conference: East-West

Last year’s results: 7-6-2, lost in D South quarterfinals.

Returning athletes: Seniors — Maggie Bragg, Julia Dow, Hannah Shields; Juniors — Deja Bennett, Molly Bourget, Katy Henderson, Karen McNeil, Kristen Patenaude, Chloe Warren; Sophomores — Caralee Coburn, Kylie Carrier, Siana Jacobs, Cara Merrill, Bekah Tilton.

Key losses: Rachel Warren, Cassidy Hart, Thea Quick, Mickenzie Chretien, Marie Robertson, Gabby Damon.

Promising newcomers: Sophomore — Grace Chapman; Freshmen — Sami Patenaude, Isabell Laughton, Paige Fogg, McKenna Ridlon, Ruby Cyr, Kassandra Keough, Alyssa Litchfield, Olivia Buswell, Emily Carrasquillo, Kayden Haylock.

What to expect: The Bucks are looking to improve in all areas, and they have the returning experience and depth to do so. Thornton is looking for Henderson and Bourget to continue their strong summers offensively into the regular season, and hope that a host of other players provide an offensive spark as well. The Bucks have a revamped midfield, and Bragg, Kristen Patenaude, McNeil and Merrill form a “very solid defensive unit.” Ridlon and Cyr will split time in goal.

Dirigo Cougars

Coach: Jon Blaisdell (first year)

Class: C South; Conference:  MVC

Last year’s results: 0-13-1

Returning athletes: Seniors — Lillie Williams (F), Gabrielle White (D), Audrey Cox (D), Emile Noyes (F), MacKenzie Ladd (D), Victoria Averill (M), Anastacia Bright (M), Felicity Boulanger (M); Junior — Katherine Morse (G); Sophomore — Arianna Boulanger (M).

Key losses: Katelyn Ellis, Elizabeth Raheb, Rachela Rosenhain, Ashley Leavitt, Haley Leavitt.

Promising newcomers: Sophomore — Tori Bellegarde; Freshmen — Destiny Jackson, Taylor Merrill.

What to expect: While Blaisdell is the new coach, he isn’t new to the program, having worked with the team a little last year. Previously a coach at Spruce Mountain, Blaisdell said he immediately missed coaching after retiring. He inherits a program low on wins and numbers, but he said the enthusiasm has been high during the preseason. Staying healthy and getting everyone on board with the new system will be key to the Cougars’ success.

Edward Little Red Eddies

Coach: Miles Bisher (first year)

Class: A North; Conference: KVAC

Last year’s results: 7-8-1, lost in A North semifinals.

Returning athletes: Seniors — Abby Russell (D), Sarah Charest (D), Hailey Whitney (D), Grace Fontaine (M); Juniors — Desiree Roussel (F), Hannah Chaput (F/M), Caroline Hammond (M), Leah Burtchell (D), Kayleigh Leclerc (M), Julia Berube (M), Chantel Ouellette (D), Lydia Celani (M), Emily Piper (D); Sophomore — Ella Boucher (M).

Key losses: Piper Norcross (F), Grace Beaudet (M), Lauren Berube (M), Taylor Depot (G).

Promising newcomers: Senior — Destany Garland (M); Junior — Hanna Roy (M/D); Sophomore — Allie Annear (G), Hannah Smith (M).

What to expect: Bisher takes over what he calls “an excellent program” built by former coach Craig Latuscha and previous teams, and his inaugural team will try to live up to those high standards. First, this year’s Red Eddies will have to create their own identity. Bisher is hoping for a “blue-collar work ethic” and wants his team to play possession-style soccer. He believes this team has plenty of potential.

Gray-New Gloucester Patriots

Coaches: Kiaran McCormack (eighth year), assistant Michael Foley (fifth year), JV coach Marcella Francour (first year).

Class: B South; Conference: WMC

Last year’s results: 6-8-1, lost in B South preliminary round.

Returning athletes: Seniors — Alexa Thayer (F), Laurel Thomas (F), Bri Jordan (M), Kyleigh Alt (D), Abby Ross (D), Chelsea Davis (G); Juniors — Jordan Grant (F), Madysen West (M), Eliza Hotham (M), Lydia Espling (D), Sam Fortin (D), Abigail Michaud (D), Sydney Rodrigues (G); Sophomores — Ivy Abrams (G), Nicole Cobb (F), Liza Sturgis (M).

Key losses: Emma Woods, Jaley Martin, Emma Dyer, Kelsey Randall.

Promising newcomers: Juniors — Izzy Brindley (M), Madison Brown (M); Sophomore — Maddie Soule (D); Freshman — West Duffy (M).

What to expect: The Patriots return seven starters and a handful of other players with varsity experience. The top three scorers from last year return, and Davis is entering her third season as the starter in goal. Succeeding in the WMC, which McCormack calls one of the strongest conferences in the state, is always a tall task, but he thinks his team will be “in the mix come the end of the season.”

Hebron Lumberjacks

Coach: Colin Griggs (ninth season)

Class: D; Conferences: MAISAD, NEPSAC

Last year’s results: 11-5-3, MAISAD champions, NEPSAC quarterfinalists.

Returning athletes: Seniors — Eliza Quinones (D, Bangor), Cat Miles (M, Vermont), Iman Shepard (F, California); Junior — Aarti Singh (G, India).

Key losses: Eliza Beaudin (50-plus career goals).

Promising newcomers: Unknown.

Season outlook: The Lumberjacks will look to keep the momentum going after their strong success over the past two seasons, in which they reached the NEPSAC Class D tournament after winning back-to-back MAISAD championships. A strong group of seniors returns with a total of 15 players back from last year’s team. There will be a few new players in the mix as well.

Leavitt Hornets

Coach: Avalon Amador (first year)

Class: B South; Conference: KVAC

Last year’s results: 3-9-2

Returning athletes: Seniors — Annika Mitchell (D/M), Emily Swan (F), Jenna Boucher (M/F), Amber Kelly (M/F); Juniors — Shelby Varney (G), Maeghan Perkins (D), Ava Petrin (M), McKenna Redstone (M), Alex Hawksley (D), Taylor White (M/F); Sophomores — Leah Maheux (M/F), Alison Noniewicz (M), Kayliegh Gilbert (D).

Key losses: Becca Fogg (D), Sophie Gilbert (F), Ashley Blouin (M), Zoe Nadeau (D), Allie Ryan (F), Carly Jordan (M).

Promising newcomers: Juniors — Julia White (D), Chloe Bellegarde (D), Maddie Springer (D); Sophomore — Lotus Laverdiere (M); Freshmen — Carlie Leavitt (D), Sarah Perkins (M), Katie Bovin (F/M).

What to expect: Amador takes over a team with several returning players, and she will be leaning on them to provide leadership to the new players. The underclassmen and newcomers will be called upon to help the team improve from last year. Amador is looking for her team to focus on its own style, and if it can do that for an entire 90 minutes in a game, the Hornets can be competitive.

Lewiston Blue Devils

Coach: Brant Remington (fifth year)

Class: A North; Conference: KVAC

Last year’s results: 3-8-4, lost in A North quarterfinals.

Returning athletes: Seniors — Kelsie Lynch (M), Megan St. Cyr (M), Madison Roy (D), Christine Chasse (D), Meghan Morris (D), Katie Lemieux (D), Amber Veilleux (M), Emma Paquette (M), Abbie Langelier (F), Sydney Hill (F); Junior — Maddy Foster (D); Sophomores — Sara Robert (F), Gemma Landry (G), Sydney Roy (D).

Key losses: Kajha Gagnon, Lexi Poulin, Taylor Chamberlain, Amy Sperandio.

Promising newcomers: Juniors — Rachel Ouellette (M), Camree St. Hilaire (M); Sophomore — Brie Dube (F); Freshmen — Leah Landry (M), Lilly Gish (M), Paige Pomerleau (D), Charlotte Cloutier (F).

What to expect: The Blue Devils add some young attackers to an experienced defense, and Remington believes that combination should be enough to earn the Blue Devils a fifth straight postseason appearance. Gemma Landry is looking to improve on her All-State freshman season in goal. The Blue Devils are excited to be playing on their new turf field, on which they’ll open the season against perennial powerhouse Bangor.

Lisbon Greyhounds

Coach: Jenniffer Perron (second year)

Class: C South; Conference: MVC

Last year’s results: 10-5-1, lost in C South quarterfinals.

Returning athletes: Seniors — Carly Drischler (M), Jordan Ott (F), Emma DiGregorio (M), Sophia DiGregorio (F); Juniors — Giana Russo (M), Kiley Merritt (F), Caitlyn Hall (D), Siara Martin (D), Abby Lebel (D/M); Sophomores — Desitney Deschaines (F/M), Sarah Haggerty (G), Makenzey Bedford (D), Alexis Kaherl (D), Susan Hart (D), Riece St. Amant (D/M), Mackenna Poisson (F).

Key losses: Emma Houle (F), Sydney Douglass (D), Savannah Fisher (G/D).

Promising newcomers: Freshman — Erica Hill (D).

What to expect: Despite turnover in the defense and in goal, this looks like a “very promising” season, according to Perron. Haggerty will be the No. 1 goalie going into the season, and Perron said she has “tremendous promise.” The Greyhounds are looking to make the playoffs again, but want to advance past the quarterfinals, where their season has ended each of the past three years.

Monmouth Mustangs

Coach: Gary Trafon (12th year)

Class: C South; Conference: MVC

Last year’s results: 15-2, MVC champions, lost in C South final.

Returning athletes: Seniors — Olivia Sirois (F), Destiny Clough (G); Juniors — Audrey Fletcher (F), Jordan Gowell (D), Alexis Trott (D), Libby Clement (M), Anna Lewis (M), Natalie Grandahl (D/M), Taylor Dumont (F); Sophomores — Alicen Burnham (F), Bre Smith (F/M), Amaya Bauer (D), Mya Sirois (D/M), Emma Johnson (G), Brooke Rooney (D).

Key losses: Tia Day, Emily Grandahl, Abbey Allen, Brittany Nadeau.

Promising newcomers: Abbie Crawford (F), Megan Ham (M).

What to expect: The Mustangs lost players that accounted for half of their goals last year. They do return a large portion of the roster, however, and Fletcher and Burnham were two of team’s top goal scorers last season. New leadership will need to be formed, and the young players will need to follow in step for the Mustangs to remain competitive. Trafton expects the MVC to be even stronger this year, which should produce more competitive games.

Mountain Valley Falcons

Coaches: Jeff Pelletier (second year), assistant Peter Koch (eighth year).

Class: B South; Conference: MVC

Last year’s results: 1-13

Returning athletes: Seniors — Kylee Pelletier (D), Taylor Henry (G/F); Juniors — Saydie Garbarini (M), Ellie LeDuc (D), Kierstyn Lyons (M), Audra Bean (M); Sophomores — Michaela Beauchesne (M), Gabbie Gallant (M), Courtney Therrien (F), Sarah-Jane Koch (D).

Key losses: Brooke Carver (M), Lauren Sterling (G), Hailey Akers (D).

Promising newcomers: Junior — Phoenix Hughes (D); Sophomores — Sophie Ladd (F), Alexis Allegra (F), Meadow Wind (G); Freshmen — Mikayla Burse (D), Alice LeDuc (M), Madison Papianou (D), Emily Richard (M).

What to expect: The Falcons didn’t lose many players, but the ones they lost were talented and will be missed. They do return nine starters and bring in a large freshmen class. Pelletier and Henry will be leaned on for leadership. Henry will slide into the starting goalie spot, replacing the departed Sterling, after playing in the field her first three seasons.

Mt. Abram Roadrunners

Coaches: Andrew Delcourt (third year), assistant John Chase (third year).

Class: C South; Conference: MVC

Last year’s results: 3-9-2

Returning athletes: Seniors — Summer Ross (M), Alice Cockerham (F), Maya Caron (D); Juniors — Jade David (F), Baylie McLaughlin (D), River Horn (F); Sophomores — Cameron Wahl (M), Madison Phelps (D), Kaylee Knight (M).

Promising newcomers: Freshmen — Emily Kidd (G), Bryanna Zelie (D), Emily Marden (D).

What to expect: Delcourt’s main focus is for his team to positively represent the school and the community, on and off the field. The Roadrunners have a freshman goalie in Kidd, but they have veterans at the other three positions on the field.

Mt. Blue Cougars

Coach: Fred Conlogue (10th year)

Class: A North; Conference: KVAC

Last year’s results: 3-9-3, lost in A North quarterfinals.

Returning athletes: Seniors — Ace Provencher (F/D), Bradie Reynolds (F), Macey Phillips (M), Courtney Richard (M), Alexys Greenman (M), Rylee Briggs (M), Katie Brittain (D), Alex McAuley (D), Sierra Fay (D), Ashley Kenney (D), Mackenzie Libby (G); Juniors — Lexi Mittelstadt (F), Allie Galkowski (M); Sophomores — Emma White (M), Kiely Reynolds (M).

Key losses: Jocelyn Daggett (F), Sierra Keim (F), Ashley Burnham (D), Kyla LeGrand (M), Kayla LeGrand (D), Maddy Ladd (D).

Promising newcomers: Senior — Madison Hambrick (D); Juniors — Jenessa Stanley (F), Lexy Lowe (F); Sophomores — Brianna Estes-Harrington (D), Haley Walsh (M); Freshmen — Eryn Parlin (F/M), Katie Ladd (M), Hannah Wilbur (M/D), Lexi Belanger (D), Khloe Dean (D).

What to expect: With a large group of returning starters and a deep incoming freshmen class, the Cougars are looking to return to the playoffs this season. That balance between experience and youth will allow Conlogue’s program to compete this year while also keeping an eye toward the future.

Oak Hill Raiders

Coach: Jeremy Young (third year)

Class: B South; Conference: MVC

Last year’s results: 13-2, MVC runner-up, lost in B South quarterfinals.

Returning athletes: Abriana Deslauriers (M), Sadie Waterman (M), Eliza Whisenant (F), Julia Noel (M), Magdolyn Ryder (M), Macie Fletcher (F), Josie Hackett (D), Jade Sturtevant (D), Grace Woodard (G).

Key losses: Julia Ahlberg (D), Anna Dodge (G), Sydney Drew (M), Cassie Gauthier (D), Rylea Mae Swan (M), Lydia Therrien (F), Britney Duchesneau (D), Lindsey Weeks (D), Makayla Hilchey (F), Alexis Harris (D).

Promising newcomers: Audrey Dillman, Audrey Bauer, Anna Beach, Paige Gonya.

What to expect: The Raiders lost 10 seniors and enter this season the youngest they’ve been in years. Young still expects his team to finish in the top quarter of the MVC and again qualify for the playoffs. Young said the key for the young players will be to not let big-game moments overwhelm them. He hopes his team will be able to provide the community with some of those big-game moments.

Oxford Hills Vikings

Coach: Chad Truman (sixth year)

Class: A North; Conference: KVAC

Last year’s results: 8-7, lost in A North quarterfinals.

Returning athletes: Seniors — Lauren Merrill (M), Saige McGinnis (M), Bailey Whitney (D), Olivia Swift (F), Emily Wallace (D), Gillian Grover (M), Derry Bessette (M), Jillian Douglass (G); Junior — Cecelia Dieterich (M); Sophomore — Cassidy Dumont (D), Cassidy Macissac (D), Ella Kellog (F).

Key losses: Julia Colby (F), Caroline Burns (M), Concetta Stewart (D), Brianna Spinhirn (D).

Promising newcomers: Bella Devivo (F), Katie Halle (M), Kaitey Montelongo (M), Lucy Lenord (D), Elizabeth Dietrich (D), Ceila Melanson (F).

What to expect: Truman sees a logjam in the middle of the pack in KVAC Class A, and expects his team will be there in the mix. The Vikings have plenty of senior leadership, as well as some young talent, and that mix should help them build on last year’s run to the playoffs.

Poland Knights

Coach: Tim Dolley (fifth year)

Class: B South; Conference:  WMC

Last year’s results: 2-11-1

Returning athletes: Seniors — Leya Harvey (F), Sydney Hudson (M/D), Sydney Pinkham (M), Hannah St. Hilaire (F), Elizabeth Tibbetts (D), Olivia Vachon (D), Ashley Bisson (D); Juniors — Amanda Gagne (D), Alyssa Gagne (D), Madison Miller (D), Emma Mocciola (M), Kaira Thibault (D), Sophie Vallee (G); Sophomore — Halie Vachon (M).

Key losses: Katriana Pratt (F), Sarah Moody (D), Katelyn Dufour (D), Katelynn Greene (M).

Promising newcomers: Junior — Rachel Thebarge (F); Sophomore — Emily Bellegarde (M); Freshmen — Gabrielle Bolduc (G), Allie Ferland (D/F), Emma Gagne (M).

What to expect: The Knights’ seniors are pushing for a playoff spot, and with some young talent it is possible. But Dolley cautions that it’s not going to be easy playing a strong Western Maine Conference schedule.

Rangeley Lakers

Coach: Chip Smith (fifth year)

Class: D South; Conference: East-West

Last year’s results: 10-2-4, lost in D South semifinals.

Returning athletes: Seniors — Brooke Egan (M), Kylie Collins (D), Mary Paige Swiney (D), Olivia Hall (M), Amber Morrill (D); Juniors — Lauren Eastlack (M), Olivia Pye (M); Sophomores — Ellah Smith (D), Autumn Skye Williams (M); Freshmen — Winnie LaRochelle (G), Emily Eastlack (F), Summer Vanburen (F), Hannah McMillan (F).

Key losses: Sydney Royce (G), Natasha Haley (M)

Promising newcomers: Freshmen — Bristol Quimby (G/D), Ella Shaffer (F)

What to expect: The Lakers hope to start this season where they left off last season — playing some of their best games on their way to the regional semifinals. Smith sees his team as solid defensively, and he hopes to convert to a ball-control style. The Lakers didn’t loss many players, but Royce and Haley were major pieces to last year’s team. Rangeley looks to stay competitive in Class D South.

Spruce Mountain Phoenix

Coach: Bill Acritelli (second year)

Class: B South; Conference: MVC

Last year’s results: 7-6-2, lost in B South preliminary round.

Returning athletes: Seniors — Calley Baker, Anna Bradford, Moreland Brochu, Natalie Luce; Juniors — Grace Harmatys, Jaycee Cole, Annabell Collins, Riley Gray, Liz Burnham; Sophomore — Emily Baker.

Key losses: Allison Acritelli, Hanna St. Pierre, Riley Bubier, Sydney Letalian, Sara Durrell, Alexa Harmatys, Lauren Cornelio.

Promising newcomers: Margo Kenyon, Abigail Ortiz, Alyssa Beaulieu, Leah Gilbert, Hannah Holland.

What to expect: The Phoenix enter the season with a core group of players who have all played together for two years or more, and with the addition of five new players they expect to be a competitive team in the Mountain Valley Conference and in Class B South. Acritelli said squad has already shown him in the preseason that it will be a hard-working group.

St. Dominic Academy Saints

Coach: Patrick Keary (second year)

Class: C South; Conference:  MVC

Last year’s results: 8-7-1, lost in C South semifinals.

Returning athletes: Seniors — Emma Theriault (D), Addie Suckow (M), Abby Castonguay (D), Avery Lutrzykowski (F); Juniors — Raegan Hachey (D), Becca Zimmerman (M); Sophomores — Gigi Ouellette (M), Emily Wallingford (M), Lucy Frenette (D), Olivia Halle (F), Hannah Kenney (G), Emma Wolverton (D), Luisa Geyer-Shaheen (D).

Key losses: Rileigh Stebbins.

Promising newcomers: Senior — Bugsy Hammerton (F)

What to expect: The Saints want to improve on Keary’s first season, when they finished with a winning record and advanced to the regional semifinals. Many of the same players are back — with the addition of Hammerton, who did not play soccer last year — and Keary said the team has worked well in preseason. The Saints need to be prepared for opponents who know their capabilities, and expect difficult games against them. Keary said “hard work and a good attitude is the minimum requirement” he expects, and as long as the players don’t go below that the team “will do great things.”

Telstar Rebels

Coach: Joshua Kennison (third year)

Class: C South; Conference: MVC

Last year’s results: 1-11-2

Returning athletes: Seniors — Kaity Killam (F), Abby Harrington (D), Georgia Piawlock (D); Juniors — Emma Kruse (M), Calla Orino (CM), Angela Cintron (D), Aneah Bartlett (CM), Luci Rothwell (D), Samantha Miller (M); Sophomores — Autumn Harrison (F), Livia Doucette (D), Shelby Thorman (D).

Key losses: None.

Promising newcomers: Freshmen — Macie Hallett (M), Grace Boothbay (G/D), Ryleigh Richard (F), Molly Pereira (D).

What to expect: Kennison thinks the program has never looked better. The Rebels have a lot of returning players, and what Kennison calls “incredible talent” coming up from the middle school. He’s hoping to combine those two aspects and build off his first two years as head coach. With just one win last year, and plenty of injuries, the Rebels are confident this will be a better season.

Winthrop Ramblers

Coach: Mark Carey (first year)

Class: C South; Conference: MVC

Last year’s results: 6-8

Returning athletes: Seniors — Clara Szakas, Jillian Taylor, Hanna Eason; Juniors — Gabby Blanco, Brooke Burnham, Kelsie Canwell, Sara Condon, Natalie Frost, Nikki MacDonald, Gabby Ross, Jillian Schmelzer, Kena Souza, Aaliyah WilsonFalcone.

Promising newcomers: Freshmen — Averie Silva, Emily Finch, Muriel Luttin, Caraline Squires.

What to expect: Carey takes over a team that he says is solid defensively and in the midfield, and has speed up front. He believes the Ramblers should be contenders in his first season.