DIRIGO COUGARS
Coach: Craig Collins (fifth year)
Class: D; Region: South
Last year’s results: 7-2, reached 8-man Small South semifinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Nathaniel Wainwright (slot), Dakota White (TE/DE), David Searles (T/DT), Andrew Wisecup (G/DT); Juniors — Tanner Bradeen (RB/LB), Trevor Crosby (WR/DB), Brady Philbrick (WR/DB), Caiden Skidgell (RB/DE), Owen Smith (RB/DB); Sophomores — Hudson Lufkin (QB/LB), Leighton Waite (WR/DB).
Key losses: Isaiah Bradeen, Wyatt Hamner.
Promising newcomers: Senior — Hunter Packard (TE/DE); Juniors — Gio Patterson (G/NG), Ethan Olsen (G/LB), Jedidiah Fields (T/DT); Sophomores — Kaeden Swan (C/DE), Dominic O’Connor (T/DE).
Season outlook: Craig Collins says Cougars’ transition back to Class D South is going well after three successful seasons of 8-man football. Dirigo entered last season as a young, inexperienced team with holes at key positions, but several players stepped up and the Cougars notched another seven-win season. Hudson Lufkin, who took over at QB and took the offense to another level, is back, as are the top six rushers, and the six players who combined for all 74 of the team’s receptions last year. “We return many key players with varsity experience. Our goal is to get better every day throughout the season,” Collins said.

EDWARD LITTLE RED EDDIES
Coach: Rick Kramer (third year)
Class: A; Region: North
Last year’s results: 0-9
Returning athletes: Seniors — Hunter Baker (RB/DE), Ben DuBois (WR/DB), Kaiden Dulac (DL), Caden Freeman (DL), Ryan Bourgoin (DB), Kaiden Dulac (DL), Landon Thomas (RB/LB); Juniors — Dawson Breton (LB/DL), Ben Carr (TE/LB), Lyric Veinott (WR/LB/DB), Jack Martin (OL), Christian Rodriguez (Util./DB), Jacoby Bonin (QB/DB), Aiden Doucette (WR/DB), Elijah Simmons (OL), Caden Westhoven (OL); Sophomores — Owen Bernier (OL), Kohlson Alexander (DE), Gabe Gemmecke (LB/RB), Lucas Goldrup (TE/LB), Evan Madigan (RB/LB), Tanner Melanson (RB/LB), Ethan Muncey (DB).
Key losses: Drew Smith (HB/LB), Jack Pepin (RB/LB), Gavin Therriault (WR/DB).
Promising newcomers: Seniors — TJ Kramarz (QB/FS), Zack Garry (OL/DL), Jackson Landry (DL), Chase Scammon (WR/DB); Juniors — James Bolduc (RB), Haydon Emery (TE/LB), Josh Hickey (OL), Isaiah Ward (WR/DB), Isaac Thorndike (OL); Sophomore — Izaac Martin Poole (DL); Freshmen — Elijah Odunlami (DL/OL), Logan Averill (DB/QB), Gavin Heath (RB), Alexzander Gagnon (OL), Malik Hall Jr. (DE/OL).
Season outlook: The Red Eddies are definitely building, increasing from less than 30 players in 2022 to 50 last year and up to more than 70 this season. The dedication also is growing throughout the classes. “A motivated and invested group of underclassmen made greater individual commitments to improve and are creating a culture of competition within the team,” Rick Kramer said. The Eddies hope their growth translates to on-field results. “We plan to be more competitive this year, resulting in closer games and developing traits of success,” Kramer said. Among this year’s key players are Ben DuBois, who has been a high producer for the offense the past two seasons, and Hunter Baker, who was going to be the lead back last year before suffering an injury in the opening game.

LEAVITT HORNETS
Coach: Michael Hathaway (23rd year)
Class: C; Region: South
Last year’s results: 11-0 regional and state champions.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Keegan Reny (TB/LB), Landon Daigle (WR/DB), Kavon Graham Jones (T/DT), Aiden Levesque (G/DT), Landon Aasen (OL/DT), Josh Blais (TE/LB), Joe Marden (TB/LB), Camrin Libby (C/NT), Dane Cabral (WR), Riley Meisner (DB), Xazavior Gray (OL/LB), Brock Poulin (QB), Alden Nickerson (OL/LB), Joe Nickerson (LB); Juniors — Mason Henderson (WR/DB), Reid Langlois (T/DT), Ian Garcia (Slot/DB), Nick Mellen (TE), Brady Barclay (LB), Maddox Girard (T/DT,) Asa Hodgkin (WR/DB); Sophomore — Randan Hutchinson (TB/LB).
Key losses: Noah Carpenter, Jace Negley, Will Keach, Maddox Demers, Mason Twitchell, Colten Taylor, Aiden Turcotte, Nash Angstrom, Matt Rementer, Brandon Bilodeau, Brendan Bickford.
Promising newcomers: Senior — Noah Douglas (WR/DB); Sophomores — Cooper Morin (WR/DB), Noah Alexander (OL/DT), Isaiah Mecham (OL/DT), Gabe Clow (OL/DT), Jamison Litalien (LB), Brody Poland (WR/DB), Braydon Holman (Slot/DB), Braydon Gray (TE/LB).
Season outlook: The Hornets are coming off one of the best seasons by a Maine high school football team, and they graduated some of the program’s best players of all time. Yet, as a testament to how good the 2023 Hornets were, the cupboard is far from bare in 2024. Kavon Graham Jones and Aiden Levesque anchor offensive and defensive lines that are experienced and deep. Keegan Reny started at tight end last year but is back and running back and ready to carry the load, along with Randan Hutchinson. At receiver and slot, Mason Henderson, one of the state’s top sprinters, Landon Daigle and Ian Garcia have speed that will be difficult for teams to keep up with. Gorham transfer Noah Douglas adds gives Leavitt and new QB Brock Poulin another speedy weapon. “We should have a good ground game, and Poulin has plenty of weapons to throw to with those receivers,” Mike Hathaway said. Poulin has been the JV quarterback the past few years, so “he knows the system, he is an accurate thrower and has good speed as a runner,” Hathaway said. On defense, the line is experienced, as is the secondary. The four linebackers need to be replaced, but Reny and Josh Blais saw a lot of time last year.

LEWISTON BLUE DEVILS
Coach: Jason Versey (third year)
Class: A; Region: North
Last year’s results: 4-6, reached regional quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Joe Dube (FB/DE), Jeffrey Randall (RB/LB), Ryker Paradis (FB/DE), Lonnie Thomas (QB/S); Juniors — Jayden Sands (RB/CB), Gage Parent (G/DT).
Key losses: Tafari Corson-James, Kenny Foss, JJ Durr.
Promising newcomers: Seniors — Jackson Bement (RB/CB), Ahmed Abdirahaman (T/DT); Junior — Damonte Spearman (RB/LB)
Season outlook: Lewiston returns nine experienced starters on both offense and nine on defense. “Our strength will be in the maturity and leadership of our 17 senior student-athletes on the team this year,” Jason Versey said. A large group of skilled young players offer enviable depth. The Blue Devils have made the postseason the past few years as a mid-tier A North team. They want to break through to the next level. “This year’s squad has high expectations of themselves,” Versey said. “If we stay healthy, we should be able to compete at a very high level all season.”

LISBON GREYHOUNDS
Coach: Chris Kates (eighth year)
Class: D; Region: South
Last year’s results: 2-7, regional quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Kaiden Lavalley (OL/DL), Cody Osmond (RB/DB), Caleb Hayes (RB/DB), Jayden Camp (RB/LB), Gavin Melanson (TE/LB); Juniors — Aiden Fortin (OL/DL), Jacoby Tuplin (TE/LB), Keeghan Morrisette (QB/DB), Hunter Ladd (OL/DL); Sophomores — Maleek Baumier (RB/DB), Jeff Tuplin (WR/DB).
Key losses: Adam Hayes (WR/CB), Emmet Mooney (RB/LB), Chris Lavalley (TE/LB), Kaiden James (DL/OL), Caden Morales (WR/DB).
Promising newcomers: Seniors — Layne Williams (OL/DL), Juniors — Griffin Turner (RB/LB), Owen Hurd (WR/DB), Gabe Beller (OL/DL); Sophomores — Ezekial Walling (TE/LB), Devin Weeks (OL/DL).
Season outlook: The Greyhounds return the majority of the starters on both sides of the ball. Running backs Cody Osmond and Jayden Camp and quarterback Keeghan Morrisette should give Lisbon a strong run game behind a line led by Kaiden Lavalley. Last year’s team faced a tough schedule that included Class C teams as well as the usual D South gauntlet. That type of experience should benefit the 2024 Greyhounds.

MOUNTAIN VALLEY FALCONS
Coach: Patrick Mooney (third season, sixth overall)
Class: D; Region: South
Last year’s results: 3-5, reached 8-man Large North quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Julien Byam (DE/TE), Rilan Farnum (LB/TE), Brody Finnan (DT/OL), Bradley Sirois (DB/RB), Owen Gaudette (LB/FB), Drake Knox (DB/RB), Wyatt Lantieri (DB/TE), Tyler Warren (LB/RB); Juniors — Wesley Baltrus (DT/OL), Dylan Theriault (LB/OL), Isaac Ricci (LB/FB), Chance Watson (DB/RB), Diquari Thompson (DB/RB), Blake Small (LB/QB); Sophomore — Colton Gallant (DB/RB), Dakota Hamner (DT/OL), Jayden Richard-Gardner (LB/OL), Josh Pollis (DE/TE), Kristian Azcona (DT/OL).
Key losses: Kaden Paaso (LB/RB), Jyrrmal Yates (DB/RB), Lucas Libby (LB/RB), Seneca Jones (LB/RB).
Promising newcomer: Senior — Adam Gammon (DB/RB)
Season outlook: Mountain Valley makes its return to D South and 11-vs.-11 football this season. “Emphasis will be on playing a physical brand of football while adapting to new defensive/offensive systems in the 11-man game,” Patrick Mooney said. The Falcons didn’t lose many players to graduation, but those they did played crucial roles on last year’s team. The plus side is that they have several returning players who saw a lot of time. “The goal is to improve every week and peak for the postseason,” Mooney said.

MT. BLUE COUGARS
Coach: Matthew Friedman (third year)
Class: B; Region: North
Last year’s results: 0-9, reached regional quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Dane Cousineau (RB/LB, captain), Stephen Galkowski (TE/S/P, captain), Sebastian Kelly (OL/DL, captain), Trey Bailey (WR/CB), Nathan Armstrong (OL/DL), Tucker Bates (OL/DL), Bode Markham (WR/S), Brody Farmer (RB/CB), Isaac Waldrop (OL/DL); Juniors — Joey Hayden (OL/DL, captain), Sam Rackliff (OL/DL), Nick Rackliff (OL/DL), Joey Rackliff (RB/DB), Jason Akers (WR/S), Gary Harkins (QB/S); Sophomore — Reed Cousineau (RB/LB).
Key losses: Charles Stevens, Warren Allen, Alex Rackliff.
Promising newcomers: Juniors — Chris Davidson (OL/DL), Jakob Martin (WR/CB); Sophomores — Dillon Gray (RB/LB), Roman Galkowski (WR/S), Karter Meader (QB/CB), Matthew Wrigley (TE/DL).
Season outlook: “Coming off an 0-9 season, there is nowhere to go, but up,” Matthew Friedman said. “And that is the expectation of the coaching staff and players.” Seven offensive and six defensive starters return, and a promising group of sophomores give the Cougars depth. Dane Cousineau led last year’s team in rushing and receiving, and he’ll be joined in the backfield by younger brother Reed and Stephen Galkowski. Gary Harkins took over the QB position midway through 2023. Those players will operate behind an offensive line that brings back four starters, including Joey Hayden who will be in his third year as a starter. The Cougars’ defense is bolstered by young players who are standouts for the school’s wrestling and lacrosse teams. “The talent level and intent to succeed have increased in the Farmington area,” Friedman said.

OAK HILL/ST. DOM’S RAIDERS
Coach: Chad Stowell (fourth year)
Class: D; Region: South
Last year’s results: 5-4, reached regional semifinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Kaiden Delano (TB/LB), Nate Dillman (WR/DB), Logan Langlois (TE/DE), Gage Spier (TB/LB), Forrest St. Laurent (G/DE), Colton Davis (G/DL), Mason Dubois (G/DL); Juniors — PJ Smith (WR/DB), Isaac Graham (WR/DB), Levi Marks (C/LB), Gavin Sheehy (T/DL), Brilee Hillard (T/DL), Braden Dubuc (QB/DB), Carson Morin (T/DT), Wyatt Goucher (OL/DL), Bryson Dubuc (WR/LB), Eli Desmond (WR/DB), Matt Fecteau (K), Noah Saindon (T/DT); Sophomores — Joe Greenwood (WR/DB), Isaac Adams (TE/LB), Dominic Biron (WR/LB), Andrew Lemay (TB/LB).
Key losses: Adam Hinkley, Kai Taylor.
Promising newcomers: Sophomores — Chase Smith (TE/LB), Jacob Hartley (TB/LB), Lucas Gallagher (G/DL); Freshmen — Grant St. Laurent (C/DL), Colton Burnham (WR/DB), Aiden Clifford (T/DE), Gabe Crosman (WR/DB), Elijah Wells (WR/DB).
Season outlook: The Raiders should be in the mix in Class D South again this season. They return 17 players who started two games or more last year, and six of the seven seniors have been starting for three years. Oak Hill does have to replace quarterback Kai Taylor, who transferred out of state after an impressive freshman campaign, but does return Kaiden Delano, a standout on both sides of the ball, and Forrest St. Laurent and Logan Langlois anchor the lines.

OXFORD HILLS VIKINGS
Coach: Nathan Danforth (first year)
Class: A; Region: North
Last year’s results: 8-3, reached regional final.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Eli LaVerdiere (H/DE), Carter Wyman (QB/DB), Brady Delamater (WR/DB/K), Logan Bottomley (WR/DB); Juniors — Brayden Murch (WR/DB/P), Malaki Sparks (RB/LB).
Key losses: Jake Carson, Holden Saw, Alex Bartlett, Hunter Tardiff, Owen Marr, Brady Truman.
Promising newcomers: Senior — Shane Farrar (WR/DB); Juniors — Dylan Truman (RB/LB), Cam Pulkkinen (WR/DB), Carson Wing (OL/DL), Chris Levesque (OL/DL), Curtis Fogg (RB/LB), Jackson Stack (WR/DB), Jayden Mason (OL/DL), Cameron Roy (WR/LB); Sophomores — Brooks Merrill (OL/DL), Anthony Vladyka (OL/DL).
Season outlook: Nate Danforth begins his second stint leading the program, which is in a much different, and better, spot than his first stint (2008-10). The Vikings look to keep their recent run of success going by building around skill players Brayden Murch, Eli LaVerdiere, Carter Wyman, Brady Delamater and Logan Bottomley. Wyman takes over at QB and Murch, LaVerdiere, Delamater and Bottomley give him plenty of weapons to throw to. The offensive line is young, with five new starters who are juniors or sophomores. Malaki Sparks has moved from guard to running back, and his biggest impact might come on the defensive side of the ball. “With key losses Jake Carson, Holden Shaw, Alex Bartlett, we have had to work hard in the off season to try and fill those gaps on defense,” Danforth said. “We are young but very competitive, and look to compete every week.”

POLAND KNIGHTS
Coach: Seth Johnson (first year)
Class: D; Region: South
Last year’s results: 4-5, reached regional quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Liam Fifield (DB/TE), Nolan O’Driscol (T/DE), Alex Tarmey (OLB/WR), Griffin Spurr (OL/DL), Kayden Pusley (DB/WR), Gavin Ellis (LB/RB); Juniors — Damion Gerding-Shaw (C/DE), Landon Cooper (WR/S), Damon Martin (QB/S), Miguel Cyr (RB/OLB), Jamison Plumber (S/RB), Ryan Langlois (OL/DL), Mason Dulworth (DB/RB); Sophomores — Lukas Gayton (QB/LB), Lucas Verrill (RB/LB), Gavin Gilbert (RB/LB), Christian Benson (WR/DB), Sam Clark (OL/DL), Dallas Billings (OL/DL), Braiden Lefebvre (OL/DL).
Key losses: Isaac Ramsdell, Nick Aube, Nicole Rioux, Emma Martin, Dylan Cook, Ian Tarmey, Thomas Gagnon, Regan Cohen, Cayden Langlois.
Promising newcomers: Senior — Thomas Hamilton (OL/DL); Freshmen — Sawyer Ramsdell (RB/DB), Eddie Taylor (RB/LB), Colby Dolley (WR/DB), Tyler Ricker (TE/DB), Jonathan Plumber (OL/DL), Regan Cooper (QB/LB), Derek Coughlin (OL/DL), Richie Christopher (OL/DL), Emmit Ogden (OL/DL).
Season outlook: The Knights enter 2024 with high expectations, new coach Seth Johnson said. Damon Martin is transitioning to starting QB and has shown an ability to find open receivers. “Landon Cooper will make him even more special, as he is a legit WR and will challenge for the best in all Maine football,” Johnson said. The offensive line should be improved and will be boosted by the addition size and strength of Thomas Hamilton. Alex Tarmey, Liam Fifield, Griffin Spurr and Nolan O’Driscoll will anchor the defense. Martin is also a playmaker on that side of the ball. “We hope to have improved offensive production and solid defensive play,” Johnson said.

WINTHROP/MONMOUTH/HALL-DALE/KENTS HILL RAMBLERS
Coach: Joel Stoneton (first season, 11th overall)
Class: D; Region: South
Last year’s results: 7-4, reached regional final.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Cody Cobb (RB/LB), Carter Rivers (RB/CB), Gabe Robinson (RB/FS/K), Hunter Reynolds (T/DE), Connor Williams (C/DE), Braden Branagan (QB); Juniors — Brock Dewar (G/LB), Isiah Trott (G/DT), Ben Porter (S/WR).
Key losses: Avry Jones.
Promising newcomers: Juniors — Jake Feith (LB), Glaiai Ngongo (T/DT); Sophomore — Lucas Rice (WR/FS).
Season outlook: Nearly all of the starters return from last year’s squad that started 1-3 then found its groove and reached the Class D South final. “Expecting great things from the Ramblers,” coach Joel Stoneton said. Stoneton is beginning his second stint as head coach, having previously held the position from 2004-13 prior becoming the school’s athletic director. He was the defensive coordinator last year, and over the final four weeks of the regular season the Ramblers allowed only 20 points total. Impact defensive linemen Hunter Reynolds, Brock Dewar and Cody Cobb are among the standouts on that side of the ball. True to form, the running game should carry much of the offensive load. Cobb and Carter Rivers each ran for more than 850 yards in 2023.