The Big Jab

Power Rankings:

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

Games To Watch:
Class A: Leavitt Hornets (6-0) @ Thornton Academy Golden Trojans (4-2) Hill Stadium 
The Leavitt Hornets will play up in class when they travel to Saco to play one of the best programs Class A has to offer in Thornton Academy. The Hornets have passed every test given so far and look to stake their claim once again as the best team in the state. The Trojans started 0-2 but has since looked like the juggernaut they’ve been for years, ripping off four straight victories.

Class B: Messalonskee Eagles (6-0) @ Lawrence Bulldogs (4-2) Keyes Field 
The Lawrence Bulldogs will host one of the favorites in Class C North this weekend in the Messalonskee Eagles. The Eagles offense has scored the most points in all of Class B with 247 points scored, while their defense has only given up 55 points. The Bulldogs have had a great season as well with their only two losses coming to Bangor in week one and then the undefeated Leavitt Hornets two weeks ago.

Class C: Cheverus Stags (5-1) @ Westbrook Blue Blazes (2-4) Olmsted Field 
On paper this game may not stick out to some, but for those of us who remember last year’s classic the rematch is highly anticipated. The Westbrook Blue Blazes pushed the Cheverus Stags last season on the road but fell short 36-34, Coach Johnson and the boys will be looking to return the favor in 2023. Cheverus is playing up in class for the second straight week. The Stags bounced back from a loss to the Fryeburg Academy Raiders in a big way, beating the Gardiner Tigers 46-6.

Class D: Poland Knights (4-2) @ Fryeburg Academy Raiders (5-1) Atwood Stadium 
Things won’t get easier for the Poland Knights this week as they play up in Class vs Class C Fryeburg Academy who have turned heads across the state. Poland has lost their last two games by a combined score of 60-14 after starting the season 4-0. Fryeburg Academy meanwhile lost their Week 1 game with the Leavitt Hornets 45-8 and have since not lost and looked nothing short of impressive. The Raiders have only given up 13 points over the past two weeks combined vs York and Cheverus.

8-Man: Boothbay Seahawks (3-3) @ Dirigo Cougars (5-1) Harlow Park 
It is the final week across 8-Man Large & Small divisions and with this matchup tonight the Dirigo Cougars can secure a 6-1 season and a second seed in the playoffs. Boothbay won’t be an easy task though, the last three weeks the Seahawks are 2-1 with wins over the Mount View Mustangs and Telstar Rebels.