Oxford Hills at Lewiston

Friday, 7 p.m.

It can’t get much better than opening the new Don Roux Field and the season with a potential playoff preview.

Bangor at Edward Little

Friday, 7 p.m.

Last year’s season-opening win at Bangor catapulted Red Eddies to 7-0 start, but a win at home over the Rams this year may have bigger long-term ramifications.

Lawrence at Mt. Blue

Friday, 7 p.m.

Bulldogs are perhaps the perfect yardstick for Cougars to measure how far they’ve progressed as they enter second season under head coach Nate Quirion.

Lisbon at Fryeburg

Friday, 4:30 p.m.

An unwelcoming opening day scenario for the Greyhounds — long road trip to a crossover opponent eager to prove it still belongs among Class C contenders.

MCI at Leavitt

Friday, 7 p.m.

Two Class C preseason favorites that wouldn’t mind meeting again in November in Portland.

York at Gray-New Gloucester

Friday 7 p.m.

Both programs begin new eras, with new head coaches on both sidelines at Myles Burbank Memorial Field.

Dirigo at Old Town

Friday, 7 p.m.

Cougars start Class E era with two crossover games against Class C schools (home against Gray-New Gloucester next week). And a 2-0 start isn’t out of the question.

Poland at Mtn. Valley

Friday, 7 p.m.

Speed is both teams’ calling card, so blinking will be optional at Chet Bulger Field.

Winthrop/Monmouth/Hall-Dale at Spruce Mtn.

Friday, 7 p.m.

Under-the-radar game of the week between D South hopefuls.

Yarmouth at Oak Hill

Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Raiders’ crossover with the Class C Clippers should be a good introduction to the tough three-game stretch against D rivals that follows.

Traip Academy at Telstar

Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Class E contest pitting two schools that could really use a victory but also need to keep everyone healthy.

1. Scarborough

It took 11 weeks for us, and many others, to give the Red Storm their due last year. Not in 2018.

2. Thornton Academy

Graduation, transfers and injuries brought about major turnover in the roster, yet the Golden Trojans are still considered the Class A favorites by many observers.

3. Bonny Eagle

Replacing Connor Sirois, Alex Sprague et. al. may put the Scots a step behind Scarborough and TA early, but the end result could be a gold ball.

4. Portland

While there may be no break-glass-in-case-of-emergency option like Terion Moss, the Bulldogs bring back most of their front line, RB Zach Elowitch and last year’s original starting QB, Sam Knop.

5. Oxford Hills

QB Colton Carson has a full year of varsity experience under his belt, and more weapons.

6. Sanford

Breaking up the Scarborough/TA/BE reign in A South is a daunting task, but the Spartans may be up for it.

7. Marshwood

The defense that allowed 11.8 points per game en route to a gold ball last year may be even better this year.

8. Kennebunk

Rams may have the answer to Marshwood’s defense in November with an explosive offense led by QB Tripp Bush and RBs Dante DeLorenzo and Derek Smith.

9. Brunswick

RB Owen Richardson leads a veteran backfield that should return the Dragons to customary contender status in B North.

10. Skowhegan

Defending B North champs return Marcus Christopher at QB, but most of the hands at the other end of his 3,000 passing yards have moved on.

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