The Big Jab

Power Rankings:

1. Leavitt Hornets
2. Portland Bulldogs
3. Oxford Hills Vikings
4. Thornton Academy Trojans
5. Sanford Spartans
6. Bonny Eagle Scots
7. Kennebunk Rams
8. Messalonskee Eagles
9. Windham Eagles
10. Foxcroft Academy Ponies

Games To Watch:
Class A: Thornton Academy Trojans (2-2) @ Sandford Spartans (3-0) Alumni Stadium 

The Thornton Academy Trojans are looking to get their heads above .500 for the first time in the 2023 season while the Sanford Spartans are looking for a signature win. Jordan Bissonnette finished last Friday’s contest vs. the Marshwood Hawks with 62 rushing yards while Rhylen Avery ran for 141 yards and a touchdown on seven carries in a 42-6 rout. The Trojans are coming off a huge confidence builder; they handed the Windham Eagles their first loss of the season with a 37-6 victory behind Mauricio Sunderland’s three rushing Touchdowns. Sanford is the only remaining undefeated team in Class A South, but this weekend will be their toughest challenge yet.

Class B: Leavitt Hornets (4-0) @ Lawrence Bulldogs (3-1) Keyes Field 

The Leavitt Hornets are coming off a weekend where they put the entire state of Maine on notice. The Hornets took on the defending Class A state champion Oxford Hills Vikings at home on Saturday and handed them their first loss of the season 21-14 in Turner, ME. Lawrence meanwhile took one on the chin in Week 1 vs. Class A Bangor but has since responded with three convincing wins, allowing just 15 total points in the last three weeks vs. Cony, Mt. Blue, and Falmouth. If Lawrence wants to keep pace with Messalonskee and Gardiner in Class B North, a result tonight vs. arguably the best team in the state will be important.

Class C: Fryeburg Academy Raiders (3-1) @ Cheverus Stags (4-0) Boulos Stadium 

With all the talk in Class C South about the Leavitt Hornets, Portland area fans are wondering what about us? The Cheverus Stags have opened the season 4-0 for the first time since 2013 and are tied with Leavitt atop Class C South. The Stags will be tested again (they survived a 26-20 back-and-forth game with Wells last week) when they play Fryeburg Academy Raiders, the Raiders’ only blemish came Week One vs. Leavitt and the team has since ripped off three straight convincing wins. Fryeburg is also one of the best offensive teams in the state, they are ranked fifth amongst all 11-man teams with 153 points scored, and 145 of those points have come in the last three weeks, they were held to 8 points vs. Leavitt in Week 1.

Class D: Foxcroft Academy Ponies (4-0) @ Medomak Valley Panthers (4-0) Medomak Valley HS Field 

This is my favorite matchup of them all this week, the Ponies vs. the Panthers in what should be a fantastic battle between the defending Class D Champion in the Ponies, and one the best programs this season out of Class C North in the Panthers, who looking to solidify themselves as the team to beat in the region. We’ll start with Foxcroft Academy which leads all 11-man teams across all classes with the most points scored in the State (219) and the least points given up (6). The Ponies also have an absurd point differential of +213 (best in the state) and for some perspective, the next closest team is Class B North Messalonskee at +143. The Panthers enter this matchup looking to raise some eyebrows and keep pace with their mid-cost rivals Oceanside in the process. The Panthers spoiled Hermon’s homecoming last weekend behind Aaron Reed. During the Panthers’ 32-14 win, Reed carried the ball 26 times for 206 yards and 3 touchdowns, he converted on 2 two-point conversions, and he had 8 tackles on defense with a forced fumble and an interception.

8-Man: Orono Red Riots (4-0) @ Dexter Tigers (3-1) Tiger Field 

Orono comes into this one vs. Dexter as one of the best 8-Man teams (Small or Large) in the State, the Red Riots are third in total points scored across both 8-Man leagues, and the program has given up the third-fewest points through four games and you guessed it, has the third best point differential at +157. On the other side Dexter is looking for a signature win at home vs. the defending 8-Man Small North regional champs, the Tigers are led by QB Blaine Gould and have athletic receivers that can open the game up, Kody Kimball, Holdyn Gunther, and, Bryce Cooper are a triple threat that has been tough to handle. Dexter’s only loss came vs. the Houlton Shiretowners but responded well on the road last week vs. Valley 41-6. Keep your eyes towards the North this week in 8-Man Small.

Other Notes for Week 5: 

– There are four Maine vs. New Hampshire games this weekend. The first two will be played Friday night when winless Edward Little hosts the winless Spaulding Red Raiders and then Bonny Eagle travels to Merrimack to play the Tomahawks. The other two contests will be on Saturday and things don’t get easier for the Oxford Hills Vikings as they host the unbeaten Portsmouth-Oyster River ClipperCats. Head north and the Bangor Rams will be hosting the winless Winnacunnet Warriors.

– Down at Warrior Memorial Field in Wells this Friday night the “Mike Guyer Salute to Armed Forces Game” will take place when the Wells Warriors host the undefeated Poland Knights. Mike was an assistant coach for Wells who passed away in February. Mike served 29 years in the Navy. He graduated from BUDS school in 1989 Class 149. He officially Commanded Seal Team 2, Served as CDR. of 4, Served as tactical CDR. of 6, Operations CDR. of 8 and Plank Owner of 10. Seal Team members are coming in what should be a fantastic night. For more information on the game check out the Mannix Brothers interview with Wells Warriors Head Coach Tim Roche on our website.