High school wrestling season heats up today with regional tournaments throughout the state.

While many of the team titles seem a foregone conclusion, individual competition should prove intense, with the top four wrestlers in each of the 14 weight divisions automatically qualifying to compete in the Class A, B and C state meets next Friday and Saturday at the Bangor Auditorium.

Class A

The most competitive battle will be waged between Oxford Hills and Skowhegan at the Class A Eastern regional in Bath. The teams finished second and third, respectively, at the KVAC championships, and several of the same match-ups are anticipated.

“I still believe Skowhegan is the team to beat,” Oxford Hills coach Mark Dolloff said. “Our kids need to know that need to respect all their opponents and fear no one. The things we work apply to the younger kids, also. I tell them they are no longer freshmen. They have 30-plus matches under their belts, so they are now sophomores on the mat.”

Oxford Hills features Josh Laird (27-10 at 135 pounds), Seth McAlister (37-1 at 140), Tom Moulton (25-7 at 145), John Sirmopoulos (30-5 at 160), Corey Smith (20-7 at 189) and Matt Hess (25-7 at 275).

Mt. Blue will be out to rebound from an off day at the KVACs and should be a factor in the regional. Defending regional and state champion Seth Webber (28-4 at 135) is a leader, and Shane Webber (28-5 at 130) and Josh Haines (171) also are contenders.

In the West, Noble should rule again with Kyle Hale (119), Jerod Proper (135) and Decota Cotten (152) showing the way.

Predicted order of finish: West: 1. Noble; 2. Marshwood. East: 1. Oxford Hills; 2. Skowhegan.

Class B

For the second straight year, Western B and C will assemble at Mountain Valley High School in Rumford. The team titles should go to the host Falcons and Lisbon, respectively.

Mountain Valley has depth with freshman Zach Bradley (22-7 at 119), Travis Child (21-5 at 130), Ben Madigan (25-4 at 152), Chris Smith (27-2 at 171), Travis Dragoon (24-4 at 189) and David Smith (28-1 at 275). The Falcons Mike Hansen (21-5) faces a likely showdown with Pat Casten of Wells in the 215-pound final.

“We’re not taking anything for granted,” Falcons coach Gary Dolloff said. “My hope is to send all 13 kids (to states) and get them seeded as high as we can. We need to be a little more aggressive on the mat, wrestle our way and win the third-period matches.”

Oak Hill is banking on Nikole Lemay, Alex Pruitt (140) and Schyler Gagnon (171), while Shawn Hoagland (125) and Tom Moore (152) lead Fryeburg.

In Eastern B, Camden Hills should win its 10th straight regional crown behind Jake Rollins (119), Chris Remsen (35-0 at 145) and Bryan Creamer (189).

Predicted order of finish: West: 1. Mountain Valley; 2. Wells. East: 1. Camden Hills; 2. Belfast.

Class C

Lisbon will be gunning for its fourth straight crown with 10 top seeds, including the first seven weight classes: Tyler Clark (24-4 at 103), Justin Cornell (22- 5), Charlie Stambach (21-6 at 119), Tim Swell (22-8), Nate Hix (26-4 at 130), Derek Giusto (12-5 at 135) and Troy Clark (24-4 at 140). Lisbon expects Dirigo to provide its toughest challenge.

“These next few weeks are the time of year when we need to expect to see the best from our kids,” Lisbon coach Mark Stevens said. “Keeping good health and focusing on the next match are primary objectives. We have to give Dirigo a lot of credit. They are young but tough as nails. The coaching staff knows their stuff and will ensure that their kids are ready.”

Giusto is still hindered from going all out due to an elbow injury.

“I was able to return and wrestle,” Giusto said. “It’s not at 100 percent yet, because the strength just isn’t there. I find it easier to use technique rather than trying to force a move. We’ve won the last three (regional and state) championships, so I don’t want to see us not to win them again my senior year.”

Dirigo has a full team and should produce several finalists. Freshmen Mike Jonaitis (112), Matt Smith (125), Kyle Meile (145) and Pat O’Leary (189) will need to step up.

“Lisbon is too strong,” Dirigo coach Doug Gilbert said. “We can finish in second. Our biggest goal will be to qualify all 14 wrestlers.”

Sophomores Aaron Patenaude (119), Nate Carier (135) and Devin Brann (152) each should score points. Junior Randy Hall will battle Ian McKeage of Lisbon at 160.

Monmouth wrestlers to watch include Louie Masi (112), Wes Danforth (125), Matt Freeman (140) and Kyle Fox (171).

Foxcroft has controlled the East but was tested by Bucksport (four-point margin) in the Penquis Valley championship. The Ponies feature Max Kennedy and Caleb Pelletier at 145 and 152, respectively.

Predicted order of finish: West: 1. Lisbon; 2. Dirigo. East: 1. Foxcroft; 2. Bucksport.