Our predictions for Week 8’s Maine highschool soccer video games
After being one hundred pc right Week 6, the outcomes of Week 7 completely shocked me, with Brewer, Skowhegan, Lawrence and Dexter all upending my predictions.
With the playoff circuit beginning over the following few weeks, the thrill — and unpredictability — of highschool soccer is peaking on the excellent time.
Based mostly on outcomes from the previous a number of weeks, and components comparable to residence subject benefit, listed here are my predictions for eight North video games taking place this weekend.
Medomak Valley at Oceanside
Prediction: Oceanside 38, Medomak 28
This matchup between reigning regional champions Medomak (6-1) and up-and-coming Oceanside (7-0) is Class C North’s greatest sport of the 12 months. Each side have star-studded senior courses, and this matchup shall be a deal with to observe. Medomak dispatched Oceanside 35-32 final 12 months, however these Mariners have improved on either side of the ball, and will very effectively get to 8-0 on Thursday evening in Rockland.
Bangor at Noble
Prediction: Noble 34, Bangor 21
Southern soccer groups are usually extra feared than northern groups, and Noble has the most effective file in Class A South. The Knights shall be a significant take a look at for the Rams, who’re a strong 4-3 however have struggled with consistency — particularly on the highway — all season. The Rams have dealt with groups like Lawrence and Skowhegan at residence, however have additionally misplaced large to Cony and Windham away. Bangor might undoubtedly rating a number of TDs on Noble, however most likely not sufficient to win.
No. 7 Ellsworth/Sumner at No. 2 Bucksport
Prediction: Bucksport 44, Ellsworth 32
On paper, 5-2 Bucksport ought to simply deal with 1-6 Ellsworth, however this playoff sport between two Hancock County opponents could possibly be nearer than anticipated. Bucksport is coming off a loss to 4-3 Dexter through which it scored an uncharacteristically low 22 factors, and Ellsworth managed to attain 34 factors on the Golden Bucks final time round. In the long run, although, Bucksport will most likely advance.
Nokomis at Hermon
Prediction: Hermon 32, Nokomis 20
After beginning the season 1-3 and shedding two key working backs to accidents, Hermon has all of a sudden received three straight. The Hawks have their eyes on a 3rd consecutive look within the regional last, and want this win over 3-4 Nokomis to lock down residence subject benefit within the playoffs subsequent week. The Warriors will counter with a troublesome floor assault that includes star sophomore Seth Bowden, however Hermon’s working sport is just extra established.
No. 5 Dexter/Piscataquis at No. 4 Houlton/Hodgdon
Prediction: Houlton 46, Dexter 40
Dexter at Houlton is well eight-player small North’s most enjoyable first spherical playoff sport. Dexter is a ground-and-pound crew with a harmful play-action sport, and Houlton has a cellular quarterback working a really dynamic offense. Each side are 4-3 this season, regardless that Dexter was final 12 months’s No. 1 seed and Houlton was the No. 6 seed. In the end, I feel Houlton will emerge victorious this weekend since they’re avoiding journey and in addition beat Dexter 52-38 in Week 3.
Lewiston at Windham
Prediction: Windham 28, Lewiston 14
This sport has main playoff implications for the Rams, and their followers needs to be rooting for Windham. The Lewiston Blue Devils (3-4) are proper behind Bangor (4-3) within the Class A North standings, and have the tiebreaker for that fourth and last playoff spot. Luckily for the Rams, 4-3 Windham is a confirmed crew with some spectacular wins over mutual opponents. Marcus Tillery and the Eagles ought to be capable to run over Lewiston at residence on Friday.
Belfast at Maine Central Institute
Prediction: Belfast 28, MCI 13
Belfast and MCI are two groups that was once Class C staples, now making an attempt to show their applications round in Class D. Thus far, Belfast’s rebuild has come alongside quicker, with the Lions even happening a three-game profitable streak earlier this season. Belfast’s protection is stingier than MCI’s, and may be capable to mitigate the Huskies’ assault on the highway this Friday.
Gardiner at Cony
Prediction: Cony 38, Gardiner 21
Cony and Gardiner are each 4-3, however are headed in several instructions. Gardiner was a shock think about September — beginning the season 4-1 after solely profitable 4 video games all final 12 months — however has since misplaced large to Cheverus and Skowhegan. Cony in the meantime began its season 1-3 after going 7-3 final 12 months, and has since rattled off three wins in a row. The Rams are a perennial contender, and now that they’re totally wholesome will not be going away simply.
