The Mid State League has enjoyed some memorable finals. A year ago Lisbon broke through to win its first championship.

The Greyhounds edged Mountain Valley by eight points in a competition that included nine head-to-head matches in the finals. Lisbon won six, including both overtime matches.

Lisbon will be hard pressed to repeat since it graduated state champions Derek Guisto, Nate Hix and Troy Clark. But the lineup still features several solid wrestlers. Justin Cornell (119) and Charlie Stambach (125) each won league, regional and state titles. Cornell was unbeaten in the state of Maine.

Sophomore Tyler Clark and Josh Dubois (152) will both be focused after having come up short last season. Clark was dominant throughout the season, but dropped a 7-3 decision to Chris Barkac of Dexter in the state final. Dubois placed third in the state meet.

“Josh is a senior who has something to prove,” Lisbon coach Mark Stevens said. “We have no freshmen this year, and it may be an issue since we lost some talented wrestlers. The coaching staff is excited because we have some kids who have great potential and desire to work hard.”

Several newcomers will need to produce, starting with sophomores Jeff Cossar (103), Ryan Guisto (135) and Ben Dubuc (140). Juniors include Nick Adams or Andrew Dubois at 152 or 160. Junior Rob Tietjen has experience at 171. Lisbon is solid in the upper weight with sophomore Mark Stambach (189), senior Jake Sprinkle (215), and junior Elijah Trefts (275).

“Jake, Mark and Elijah will be strong in the heavier weights for us,” Stevens said. “We have all our weight classes filled, but depth maybe an issue when it comes to placing kids in tourneys.”

Mountain Valley shook off a league setback to win the regional and finished second in the Class B state meet. The Falcons are confident with return of 10 starters.

Two-time state champion Chris Smith (33-2) at 189 pounds is one of the premier wrestlers in the state. Smith’s younger brother David Smith (38-3 at 275) was equally impressive en route to winning a state crown and placing sixth in New England. Chris Brennick and Tyler Child are battling at 171. Senior Ben Madigan (160) is a former state champion.

“We have a lot of experience back and a good mixture of youth,” Mountain Valley coach Gary Dolloff said. “We should have a solid team by the end of the season when the younger kids come together.”

The objective for the Falcons will be to knock off five-time defending state champion Camden Hills and beware of Belfast. The Falcons have already taken a hit when freshman Derek Sicotte broke his shoulder 12 seconds into his first varsity match last Saturday.

Dirigo should be a threat with its ability to score points. The Cougar sophomore class earned plenty of mat time last winter. Mike Jonaitis (25-6) was a state finalist and Kyle Meile (27-10) placed third in the state meet.

Randy Hall (24 wins) has high expectations after also placing third in the state. Devin Brann (23 wins at 152) led the team in wins two years ago.

“We’ll be competitive,” Dirigo coach Doug Gilbert said. “Only one starter graduated and five return, each won over 20 matches last year. Our lineup will be solid and I can (envision) qualifying all 14 for the state meet.”

The biggest question is depth as the second-tier wrestlers need to step it up.

Monmouth is still going through a youth movement, but coach Shawn Schultz is encouraged by the returnees. A lack of wrestlers produced numerous forfeits last year.

Leading the Mustangs will be sophomores Erik Taylor (119), Louie Masi (130), Nick Pomerleau (135) and Matt Freeman (152). Masi was a league finalist and Freeman finished strong.

Projected order of finish: 1. Mountain Valley 2. Lisbon 3. Dirigo 4. Monmouth 5. Wiscasset 6. Hyde