Gray-New Gloucester at MDI
Friday, 6 p.m.
QB Kobi Conant and the Patriots showed some big-play ability in last week’s loss to Brunswick. This week, the defense will be tested by MDI’s Spencer Laurendeau, who ran for four scores and passed for one last week.
Thornton at Oxford Hills
Friday, 7 p.m.
This is currently the state’s marquee matchup. Oxford Hills picked up where it left off last year, routing Lewiston, while Thornton was stunned by Portland.
Lake Region at Mountain Valley
Friday, 7 p.m.
Both teams would love a win. The Falcons made a valiant effort in their first game since moving up to 8-man Large, but fell to MDI. The Lakers were roughed up by a motivated Greely in the opener.
Deering at Mt. Blue
Friday, 7 p.m.
Last year, the Rams were one of the Cougars’ two wins. While Mt. Blue lost to a tough Gardiner in the opener, Deering handled Marshwood.
Old Town at Poland
Friday, 7 p.m.
The Knights have showed the past few years that they’ll ride the run game as far as they can, but last week revealed a budding pitch-catch combination between QB Dylan Cook and Nick Aube. Old Town is making the long trip to Androscoggin County after falling to Winslow last week.
Yarmouth at Spruce Mountain
Friday, 7 p.m.
The Phoenix are at home, but continue a brutal opening schedule against the defending 8-man Large state champ Clippers. Last week was runner-up Waterville.
Edward Little at Portland
Friday, 7 p.m.
The Red Eddies’ frustration was evident as they struggled when key players went down with injuries last week. They’ll likely need to be their best to upset the Bulldogs, who rejoined Class A and promptly took down state powerhouse Thornton.
Dirigo at Old Orchard Beach
Friday, 7 p.m.
The Cougars graduated a legendry class in the spring. The way they rolled through Telstar last week shows they’re not done being a force in 8-man Small South. The same can be said for defending state champ Old Orchard Beach.
Leavitt at Cape Elizabeth
Friday, 7 p.m.
The Capers have been the only C South team able to compete with the Hornets the past two years, but they were roughed up by Oceanside, 50-12, last week. The Hornets, meanwhile, rolled to a 45-8 win over Fryeburg.
Lewiston at South Portland
Friday, 7 p.m.
Lewiston’s loss last week probably said more about Oxford Hills than it did about the Blue Devils, but the Red Riots are far from an easy rebound.
Winthrop/Monmouth/Hall-Dale/Kents Hill at MCI
Friday, 7 p.m.
Over the past several years, no program in D South reloads like the Ramblers. Though they fell to Freeport last week, they showed they’ll be a force again. MCI was bowled over by Nokomis in the opener.
Foxcroft at Oak Hill/St. Dom’s
Saturday, 12:30 p.m.
The young Raiders are possibly getting a state championship preview in the first two weeks — first they see Wells and now Foxcroft. There probably aren’t any easy games in D South, so the Raiders will need to grow up fast.
Sacopee Valley at Telstar
Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
The Rebels are trying to grow into new roles this season, but showed some playmakers to complement Gavinn Martin last week against Dirigo. The Hawks showed some moxie by overcoming a 20-0 deficit to beat Mt. View 46-26.
Lisbon at Freeport
Saturday, 7 p.m.
Either the Greyhounds, coming off a dominating win over Belfast, or Freeport, coming off a hard-fought win over Winthrop/Monmouth/Hall-Dale/Kents Hill, will make an early-season statement by winning this game.
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