1. Bangor (5-0) — The offense gets the headlines, but the Rams’ physical defense is demonstrating it can knock any offense off-stride, be it the double-wing or the spread.
2. Cheverus (5-0) — You never saw Thornton Academy here. You never saw Thornton Academy here. You never saw Thornton Academy here.
3. Bonny Eagle (5-0) — The Scots have a potential trap game with Windham this week, with Cheverus on tap next week.
4. Lawrence (5-0) — The Bulldogs have yet to give up more than seven points in a game, but they haven’t faced an offense as explosive as Lewiston.
5. Lewiston (5-0) — Of course, the Blue Devils haven’t faced anything close to the Lawrence defense, either.
6. Leavitt (5-0) — Coach Mike Hathaway has to love seeing the defense step up as the offense was having an off day in Waterville.
7. Mountain Valley (5-0) — Toughest stretch of the Falcons’ schedule starts this week against Greely and its staunch defense.
8. Deering (4-1) — The Rams single-handedly dismissed Thornton from the Top 10, so they deserve another crack at it.
9. Gardiner (5-0) — Losing defensive leader Eddie Donnell (broken leg) for the season is a crushing blow, but the Tigers have two weeks to recover before facing Leavitt.
10. Cape Elizabeth (5-0) — The Capers face their toughest test yet Friday in Wells.
Player of the week
Ryan Conant, Winthrop senior running back
Conant tallied 184 yards rushing and receiving and scored four touchdowns as unbeaten Winthrop pummeled Maranacook, 40-6.
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