South Portland at Lewiston
Friday, 7 p.m.
Blue Devils host their first game at their temporary home, Garcelon Field on the Bates College campus. They hope to continue playing there through the playoffs.
Edward Little at Bangor
Friday, 7 p.m.
Cameron Stadium re-opens after extensive renovations, so it will be an emotional night for the host Rams, who are coming off a winless 2016. Red Eddies hope to unveil a sleek passing offense led by Grant Hartley, Class A’s leading passer last year.
Leavitt at York
Friday, 7 p.m.
Hornets are in a new class, C (again) but open with a fellow Class B refugee. QB Tim Albert gets to take all of the snaps after splitting them last year.
Gray-New Gloucester at Noble,
Friday, 7 p.m.
Young Patriots (three seniors) hope to start off on the right foot under new coach Duane Greaton.
Wells at Winthrop/Monmouth
Friday, 7 p.m.
New faces all over the place as Ramblers replace a bushel of starters from last year’s regional finalist. Their first assignment — brand new D South resident Wells, merely the reigning Class C state champions.
Mountain Valley at Dirigo
Friday, 7 p.m.
A football rivalry too long in the making, although it couldn’t have come at a better time in terms of both programs being back on the upswing. If you’re still wondering where to go on Friday night, make it Harlow Park.
Oak Hill at Poland
Friday, 7 p.m.
Raiders and Knights are sort of reunited in the new D South. They were both in Class B a decade ago, but different regions. Many of the players have squared off in youth and middle school football, though.
Mt. View at Spruce Mountain
Friday, 7 p.m.
On what is sure to be an emotional night at Griffin Field, the Phoenix will make their D South debut against a crossover opponent who, like Spruce, is still trying to learn a new system.
Mt. Blue at Waterville
Saturday, 1 p.m.
The Cougars begin anew under coach Nate Quirion facing a Purple Panthers team looking to rebound from a winless 2016 season.
Bucksport at Lisbon
Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
Lisbon sideline will look a little different without coach Dick Mynhan for the first time in four decades, but the Greyhounds hard-nosed style should look awfully familiar under Chris Kates. Golden Bucks are a favorite in D North, so this will be a good test for both teams.
Oxford Hills at Portland
Saturday, 7 p.m.
Many believe the Vikings have closed some of the gap on the Class A powers to the south. They will find out against the reigning regional champion, which beat them 55-7 in last year’s A North semifinal. Note the date change due to fireworks at Friday night’s Sea Dogs game.
Sun Journal Top 10
1. Bonny Eagle
Reigning Class A champs reloaded for another title run with a big senior class led by running back Alex Sprague.
2. Scarborough
Considered the favorite by many but don’t have the big-game experience or track record Bonny Eagle has.
3. Thornton Academy
Some expect the Golden Trojans to take a step back this year. We’ll believe it when we see it.
4. Portland
With some holes to fill on offense, Bulldogs aren’t the juggernaut they have been while winning A North the last two years. But the defense should still be stout, and they are still the favorite.
5. Windham
Eagles are most likely team to challenge Bulldogs’ throne.
6. Brunswick
Dragons graduated 20 seniors who chewed up Class B last year, but their successors looked pretty hungry in preseason.
7. Marshwood
Another 6-4 season will not sit well with coach Alex Rotsko, and he has eight starters back on defense.
8. Messalonskee
With Brewer expected to take a step back, someone will have to challenge Brunswick in B North. The Eagles seem to have the talent to do it.
9. Oxford Hills
Vikings have a chance to make a statement Saturday night at Fitzpatrick Stadium.
10. Cheverus
New defensive coordinator John Wolfgram (you may have heard of him) has seven returning starters with which to work. That’s bad news for the rest of A North.
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