The top two teams in the Pine Tree Conference Class B division, Leavitt and Mt. Blue, meet on Friday night in the biggest game in the state this weekend. Both teams are 5-0, and the anticipation for this game has been building since last spring, when Mt. Blue announced it would drop from Class A to B.

Neither Leavitt nor Mt. Blue has been tested for four quarters yet this season, and they’re the top two scoring teams in the state. Leavitt averages just over 50 points per game, while Mt. Blue averages just over 49. Defensively, the teams are even, too. Mt. Blue allows 12.8 points per game, while Leavitt has allowed 10.8.

Mt. Blue has played a slightly tougher schedule. The Cougars’ opponents through the first five weeks are a combined 14-11, while the Hornets’ opponents are 11-14.

The Cougars and Hornets have one common opponent, Madison. Mt. Blue beat the Bulldogs 59-0 in Week 2. Leavitt defeated Madison 68-12 in Week 4.

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Lawrence, the lone undefeated team in Pine Tree Conference Class A, is holding firm to the top spot.

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Brunswick, Messalonskee and Bangor — all 4-1 — are nipping at its heels. Lewiston (3-2) and Skowhegan (2-3) are still in the hunt but will need an upset or two to reach the postseason.

The Pine Tree Conference Class A playoff picture is starting to take shape.

“We know we have a lot of teams vying for playoff spots left on our schedule,” Lawrence coach John Hersom said. “We have to continue to play well. We certainly count Bangor right at the top. They seem to have the program that everyone aspires to have. We always thought Lewiston would be right in the mix. Messalonskee is improving each year, so it’s no big surprise with how they are playing. Skowhegan (2-3), Brunswick, Cony (1-4), they are all teams that are certainly capable of winning any week.”

Added Messalonskee coach Wes Littlefield: “The teams that have always been there, are there. The Bangors and Lawrences. And Brunswick is always tough. Everybody is equally matched. The top five or six teams can be beat. It definitely makes it a little tougher because you can’t have any hiccups going into the stretch.”

There are a few big games this weekend that could shake up the playoff race. Messalonskee visits Brunswick while Lawrence plays Lewiston.

“I think we’re in real good shape as far as making the playoffs,” Brunswick coach Dan Cooper said. “This game this week can set us up for a top spot. If we win out, we have a chance of the No. 1 seed. We control our own destiny.”

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Messalonskee, with games remaining against Brunswick, Bangor and Lawrence, also could secure that top seed.

“To me, some of these games are early playoff games already,” Littlefield said. “There’s a lot at stake. There’s still a lot of football left to be played.”

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There have been a lot of firsts for Mt. View this season, and in Friday’s win at Hermon, there was one of the most important. According to coach Jack Brady, this was the first time the Mustangs had a letdown, recognized it and corrected it.

“That’s a real sign of growth,” Brady, who has the Mustangs at 3-2 and fighting for their first playoff berth. “That’s such a huge thing to have happen. It’s not easy to get there.”

With the score tied at 14-14 in the first half, Brady called a timeout.

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“I said ‘You’ve let them back in the game, and you need to take care of it,’ ” Brady said. “They understood.”

Mt. View went on to win, 42-22. Now at 3-2, the Mustangs play on Friday at Maine Central Institute before closing the regular season with back-to-back home games against Washington Academy and Calais.

“We don’t have to win all three. For us to grow enough to make the playoffs, we need to play well,” Brady said. “Washington is like Hermon. They’re a pretty accomplished team for a first-year program.”

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Around the state: The list of undefeated teams shrank a little this past weekend and now stands at eight: Lawrence, Cheverus, Mt. Blue, Leavitt, Wells, Mountain Valley, Bucksport and Yarmouth. … There are two Thursday night games in the SMAA this week, Kennebunk at South Portland and Scarborough at Deering. … Washington Academy’s victory over Calais made the Little Ten Conference the only league in the state without a winless team.

Staff Writer Bill Stewart contributed to this report.

Travis Lazarczyk — 861-9242

tlazarczyk@centralmaine.com


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