Our predictions for Week 3’s Maine highschool soccer video games
As we cross into the second half of September, it’s turning into extra clear what to anticipate from soccer groups round northern Maine. Each week, final yr’s standings matter rather less, and this yr’s standings matter slightly extra.
Primarily based on outcomes from the final two weeks, in addition to 2022 matchups, listed here are my predictions for eight video games occurring this Friday night time.
Hermon at Foxcroft Academy
Prediction: Foxcroft 38, Hermon 26
This interclass contest between Class D’s undisputed finest program in Foxcroft and a Class C North staple in Hermon might be a really attention-grabbing matchup. Hermon has a strong floor recreation headed by junior quarterback Bruce Coulter and senior working again Alec Smith, however I don’t suppose they’ll have the ability to sustain with Foxcroft’s stacked senior class. Sign caller Wyatt Rayfield has picked up the place he left off final yr, and working again Gage Beaudry has already scored six touchdowns in his first two video games again from harm.
Skowhegan at Bangor
Prediction: Bangor 21, Skowhegan 7
Contemplating Skowhegan hasn’t scored any factors but this season, I anticipate the 1-1 Bangor Rams to win a low-scoring recreation at Cameron Stadium this Friday. The Rams beat Lawrence 21-6 in week one, however then misplaced 35-6 to Windham final week, so their offense shouldn’t be too explosive both. Search for senior quarterback Jack Schuck to attempt to get some deep photographs in, although. The River Hawks in the meantime have been final yr’s Class B state champions, in order that they’re because of break their scoreless streak and get a minimum of one landing in opposition to Bangor.
Hampden Academy at Oceanside
Prediction: Oceanside 46, Hampden 22
With wins over Cape Elizabeth 50-12 and Hermon 38-24, Oceanside’s high-octane offense and improved run protection will probably preserve the ball rolling in opposition to a much less established Hampden program. That being stated, Hampden is coming off an energizing 28-0 win over Brewer, and has a model new teaching workers this season that deserves some recognition. The Broncos have the power to attain a number of touchdowns on Oceanside however I don’t suppose they’ll match the Mariners’ offensive expertise. The Galley twins, reigning Class C North Participant of the 12 months Aiden Sergent and reigning Large 11 Coach of the 12 months Sam Weiss have been nice thus far this season.
Cony at Messalonskee
Prediction: Messalonskee 30, Cony 21
Messalonskee has been a nice shock this September, dominating Falmouth 47-8 and Gardiner 35-0 after successful solely two video games all season final yr. Week 3 foe Cony has overwhelmed Messalonskee yearly since 2017, and been a staple in Class B postseason play, however I believe the Eagles ought to outlast the Rams at residence on Friday. Messalonskee’s wins have been too convincing to write down off, and Cony’s offense hasn’t been exceptionally nice thus far this yr.
Medomak Valley at Brewer
Prediction: Medomak Valley 44, Brewer 8
I foresee the 2-0 Medomak Valley Panthers cruising to their third victory this season as they try and defend their Class C North title this fall. Brewer is 0-2 and has solely scored 12 factors whole in opposition to Hermon and Hampden thus far, so its possibilities of successful are slim this Friday. Medomak’s entrance line might be too powerful and skilled for a younger Brewer squad to deal with, and can largely preserve Brewer off the board.
Previous City at Belfast
Prediction: Previous City 26, Belfast 20
In a battle between winless groups, I envision Previous City popping out on high in a hard-fought recreation on Belfast territory. Each side are undoubtedly hungry for his or her first win, however the Coyotes’ losses have been nearer video games than Belfast’s, and to 2 strong groups in Winslow and Poland. The Belfast Lions in the meantime have misplaced 54-6 to Foxcroft Academy, and 44-16 to John Bapst/Bangor Christian. Belfast did beat Previous City 44-16 final yr, so anticipate the Coyotes to be enjoying with a chip on their shoulders.
Ellsworth/Sumner at Orono
Prediction: Orono 54, Ellsworth/Sumner 28
With a +73 level differential via two video games, Orono is formally the workforce to beat in eight-player small North, and Ellsworth in all probability gained’t be the workforce that does. Orono’s offense has been on fireplace going again to the center of final season, placing up a minimum of 50 factors in 5 of its final eight video games. Ellsworth did beat Madawaska 55-24 two weeks in the past, however was introduced again right down to earth by Dexter final week, dropping 44-28. Its offense might make some noise this Friday, however not as a lot as Orono’s will.
MDI at Camden Hills
Prediction: MDI 28, Camden Hills 22
The one recreation on this record between two undefeated groups, and the one one scheduled for 3 p.m., this needs to be an attention-grabbing battle Friday afternoon. Each side have overwhelmed one workforce within the eight-player giant North convention, and one workforce within the South convention, so now all they must do is beat one another. Regardless of enjoying on the street, MDI’s offense has been extra productive than Camden Hills’ thus far this season (84 factors scored in comparison with 34), incomes it the nod this week.
