It’s a scary year to be 0-2 or even 1-1 in the Pine Tree Conference.
Eastern Class A football programs will play eight games this fall to eliminate seven teams, meaning that only four will make the playoffs. Lewiston suspected that it needed to beat Bangor last week, and Mt. Blue knew there was little recourse if it didn’t knock off Oxford Hills.
Tonight, those two talented, senior-dominated teams meet at Caldwell Field in Farmington in a September clash that will have plenty to say about which one is still suiting up in early November.
There’s an equally acute sense of urgency in Auburn, where at the end of tonight’s Hersom Bowl, either Lawrence and Edward Little will be a surprising 2-0. And that doesn’t even scratch the surface of what Oxford Hills and Skowhegan will be feeling at a neutral field in Madison on Saturday night, where one of those two perennially strong programs will be saddled with a second straight loss.
Here’s a closer look at key matchups in the region this weekend:
Lewiston (1-0) at Mt. Blue (1-0), tonight, 7 p.m.
The Cougars continue to play the most exciting and unpredictable football in the PTC, with senior QB Mason Barker (9-for-16, 126 yards) lofting the leather to a cadre of receivers that includes John Moloney and Hal Robbins. And if you thought the uncertainty of Hazen Pingree’s knee injury would short-circuit Mt. Blue’s running game, Mike Toothaker dismissed that logic with three TD runs in last week’s 28-14 win over Oxford Hills.
Lewiston’s eye-opening 20-7 triumph over Bangor was all about the run – establishing it, and stopping it. Junior Jared Turcotte was sensational with 229 yards and three TDs, while the Blue Devils stuffed the Rams’ running game to the tune of 66 yards. Chris Ford intercepted a pass while only needing to complete one aerial of his own all night.
Turcotte offers another stern test to a Mt. Blue run defense that held Jim Bower and Oxford Hills under the century mark.
Lawrence (1-0) at Edward Little (1-0), tonight, 7 p.m.
Twin brothers Jim and John Hersom meet for the first time in a regular-season game after their teams excelled on opening night.
Lawrence thoroughly dominated PTC preseason favorite Skowhegan, outgaining the Indians by a three-to-one margin in a 29-14 victory. Dylan Costigan and David Wallace combined for more than 200 yards on the ground, while QB Aaron Champagne accounted for all four scores (three rushing, one passing).
EL limited Cony to 23 yards on the ground in a 23-13 victory. Jon Demers and Levi Montoya lead the Red Eddies’ defense. When the Eddies have the ball, RBs Scott Daigle and Garner LaValley flaunt breakaway ability.
Winthrop (1-0) at Jay (1-0), tonight, 7 p.m.
The Ramblers hope the short jaunt up Route 133 will culminate in a few long TD runs by Tavis Hasenfus. Winthrop’s senior RB burned Old Orchard Beach for 229 yards last week, including a 78-yard score in the first half. QB Kyle Plossay played nicely on short notice for injured Travis Frautten, completing 7-of-16 and a TD toss in the 34-8 rout.
New-look Jay will try to get it done on the ground, also, after riding Justin Wells’ arm for four fruitful years. QB Mike Nemi was a tidy, quiet 2-for-2 through the air in last week’s impressive 19-6 win over Bucksport. Ryan Bourassa and Zane Armandi should see most of the carries.
Oxford Hills (0-1) vs. Skowhegan (0-1), Madison H.S., Saturday, 7 p.m.
This important matchup showcases two of the top running backs in the league: Oxford Hills’ Jim Bower and Aaron Chambers of Skowhegan. The Vikings would like to exploit Skowhegan’s young offensive line while enjoying another banner night by QB Ben Ryerson, who completed TD passes to Ethan Sutton and Alex Waite in the loss to Mt. Blue.
Around the region
Leavitt will be favored in tonight’s home opener against Old Town after dropping a tough 16-12 decision at Winslow last week. RB Chris Brewer (120 yards, 2 TDs) leads the Hornets. Livermore Falls follows a 34-0 loss at Lisbon with another tough, inter-conference road test at Foxcroft. The Western Class B road is challenging for Gray-New Gloucester, which travels to York, and Fryeburg, on its way to Wells.
On Saturday, Oak Hill has a chance for another satisfying ride home. After downing Old Town last week, the Raiders are at Mount Desert Island. Poland draws a rough home opener against reigning Class B champion Mountain Valley, as does Dirigo versus Class C power Lisbon.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
