We’re six weeks into the regular season, and high school football teams have really geared up for the playoffs by now. The eight-player large and small conferences finish their regular seasons this week, and classes B, C and D finish theirs next week.
The clock is ticking for teams to tie up loose ends and perfect their schemes. Week 7 losses could rattle teams settling into their identities, and Week 7 wins could empower teams at the perfect time.
Based on results from the past several weeks and a slew of other factors, here are my predictions for eight North games happening this Friday night.
Edward Little at Bangor
Prediction: Bangor 28, Edward Little 14
Bangor is coming off a disappointing 55-20 loss to Cony, but should beat winless Edward Little Friday for its fourth win of the season. Bangor is currently in fourth place in the Class A North standings at 3-3, and needs all the wins it can get to hold onto that final playoff spot. A young Rams team managed to fend off Edward Little last year 16-6, and now that they’re more experienced, they should beat the Red Eddies by a wider margin.
Hermon at Hampden
Prediction: Hermon 28, Hampden 20
This game will be closer than in recent years — Hermon has been a Class C staple, while Hampden had only four wins since 2017 coming into the season. Things have changed, however, with both teams sitting at 3-3 and jostling for the third seed in Class C North. Hermon still gets the nod here because the Hawks have more to lose and Hampden has been dealing with injuries to some key players.
Messalonskee at Lawrence
Prediction: Messalonskee 30, Lawrence 26
Messalonskee has a 3-19 record against Lawrence over the past 20 years, and has not beaten the Bulldogs in Fairfield. But these Eagles are different — they have a perfect 6-0 record, a new coaching staff, and a star-studded team on both sides of the ball. Lawrence has a 4-0 record against Class B North opposition and will push Messalonskee to its limit, but the Eagles should still persevere. They’re on a roll, and have something to prove.
Dexter/Piscataquis at Bucksport
Bucksport 46, Dexter/Piscataquis 28
Aside from a loss to undefeated Orono in Week 4, the Golden Bucks are unbeaten and are showing no signs of slowing down. They have a dynamic offense averaging 43.7 points per game, which is powering Bucksport to another great season. Dexter was last year’s No. 1 seed in eight-player small North, but has since regressed to 3-3, and probably won’t be able to upend 5-1 Bucksport.
Old Town at Madison/Carrabec
Prediction: Old Town 28, Madison/Carrabec 6
Both Old Town and Madison are yet to win a game this season, though Old Town has shown flashes of proficiency and has a much more appealing point differential (-123 compared with -207) through six weeks. The Coyotes have a solid line corps and powerful backs to complement it, and should be able to get plenty of first downs against Madison.
Nokomis at Brewer
Prediction: Nokomis 38, Brewer 12
Nokomis is coming off an empowering win over Hampden, and is rocking with its new wing-T offense. Sophomore Seth Bowden had three all-purpose touchdowns against the Broncos, and could go off against a winless Brewer team. The Witches’ Ethan Leavitt and Hunter Merrithew are capable playmakers, but Nokomis’ 3-3 record speaks for itself.
Gardiner at Skowhegan
Prediction: Gardiner 21, Skowhegan 12
Gardiner has been a pleasant surprise in Class B North this season, pulling off wins over Falmouth and Edward Little en route to a 4-2 start. Reigning state champion Skowhegan, meanwhile, has regressed to 1-5, failing to score a single point until its Week 4 win over Mt. Blue 18-13. Skowhegan’s offense has since scored two touchdowns apiece against powerhouses Messalonskee and Lawrence, but probably won’t be able to overpower the upstart Tigers.
Mattanawcook/Lee at Orono
Prediction: Orono 57, Mattanawcook/Lee 12
Since catching fire midway through last season, Orono has been a bona fide juggernaut, averaging 51 points per game and compiling an 11-1 record. The Red Riots have their eye on a gold ball, and 2-4 Mattanawcook/Lee probably won’t be the team that snaps their undefeated streak this season. Orono’s defense has been the best in eight-player small North this season, only allowing 11.7 points per game.