The Maine playoffs actually began last week so we are technically speaking, we are starting our preview with the second round. The matchups are really good, especially in Class A and B. Classes C and D have some quality matchups as well. It should be a fun three weeks in Vacationland.
Here is our Maine High School playoff preview.
Class A
Deering (4) at Portland (1)
Bangor (3) at Oxford Hills (2)
South Portland (4) at Thornton Academy (1)
Noble (3) at Bonny Eagle (2)
Breakdown: One of my favorite classes or divisions in New England. Thornton Academy is the favorite going in. The Trojans have been rolling since losing to Bedford (N.H) and they have beaten the best that Maine can offer along the way. Stopping Connor Ayoob and Mauricio Sunderland has proven to be a tall task for opposing teams. The Trojans just have too many weapons to stop and that will be a problem for opposing defenses.
Portland is getting healthy again and the defending champions have the best player in the state in Cordell Jones. Jones would love nothing more than to end his career a two time champion and he could literally will the Bulldogs to a state title game. Bonny Eagle has been good all season long but then ran into the wagon that is Thornton Academy. Still, the Scots have the firepower on offense to potentially make a championship run. Quarterback Colin Moran is arguably one of the top three signal callers in the state and leads an offense that can score on anyone. The Scots will have their hands full with a good Noble team in round one however. The Knights are a junior team and boast one of the best defenses in the state.
Class B
Messalonskee (4) at Cony (1)
Lawrence (3) at Fryeburg (2)
Marshwood (4) at Westbrook (1)
Falmouth (3) at Kennebunk (2)
Breakdown: Cony is the favorite moving forward but this class is wide open in reality. The Rams own wins over Oxford Hills, Fryeburg and Lawrence. They hit the 50 point mark four times this season offensively. Both Falmouth and Kennebunk could find themselves back in the championship game. Tres Walker is one of the best quarterbacks in the state and he will be looking to lead the Navigators to back to back state titles. It will not be easy however as this class has some good programs with tradition that are well coached. Marshwood. is coached by the legendary Alex Rotsko. He has seen a lot of football and in a one game playoff, he and his staff could game plan and beat any team in this class. Fryeburg lurks as a possible sleeper. Westbrook is the team people should pay most attention to. The Blue Blazes own wins over Marshwood and Kennebunk. Their only loss was to Falmouth.
Class C
Mednomak Valley (8) at Greely (1)
Wells (5) at Gardner Area (4)
Foxcroft (7) at Leavitt Area (2)
Nokomis (6) at Herman (3)
Breakdown: Greely is the one seed and they appear to be on a collision course with Leavitt but Wells and Herman could have a say in how this bracket plays out. Coach Mike Hathaway has Leavitt back contending. The Hornets only two loses were to Greely, 28-26 and 12-7 to Wells. Both teams they match up well against in a potential rematch. Wells is a dangerous five seed. They have been up and down this season at 5-3 but they have the skill to potentially play with and beat any team in this bracket. Greely needs more respect. They own wins over Nokomis, Leavitt and Wells and beat Class B heavyweight Falmouth. The Rangers are the favorite but again, this bracket is wide open and there for the taking.
Class D
Maranacook Community (5) at John Bapst/Bangor Christian
Madison/Carrabec Valley (3) at Winslow (2)
Oak Hill (4) at Winthrop Manmouth (1)
Morse (6) at Dirigo (2)
Breakdown: John Bapst is the clear favorite. The Crusaders own wins over Winslow and Oak Hill, although both games were close. Winthrop the other one seed but they have a tough first round match up against Oak Hill. The Ramblers beat the Raiders in Week One so it is a rematch. Winthrop also beat Dirigo and Morse and are on a collision course with John Bapst.