Belfast’s Halle Tarbox, left, tries to get past Gardiner’s Brynnlea Chaisson during a September 2024 field hockey game in Gardiner. Gardiner plays the defending state champion Lions on Oct. 7. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Here’s a look at some of the games that could have ramifications in the playoff races this year:

Cony at Gardiner, Sept. 22: This under-the-lights (6:30 p.m.) matchup will pit two longtime rivals, and two teams that typically have competitive battles when they meet. Cony won 5-3 last year, and the Tigers, led by high scorer Brynnlea Chaisson, will look for some payback.

Nokomis at Lawrence, Oct. 4: There are plenty of games against rivals on their schedule, but for the Bulldogs, this matchup against Nokomis could be revealing of how close they are to being at the level they were in 2022, when they won a state championship. For Nokomis, this game follows contests against Belfast and Camden Hills and could provide the team with a chance to build some midseason momentum.

Hall-Dale at Winthrop, Oct. 6: The Bulldogs, who figure to be a contender in Class C South, can get a true sense for how they stack up against a Ramblers team that has been the class of the Mountain Valley Conference but is dealing with the graduation of Madeline Wagner. If Winthrop is weaker, Hall-Dale could be a team to beat. A win here would go a long way toward proving that.

Gardiner at Belfast, Oct. 7: The Tigers will get a true test against the defending Class B champion Lions, who are a popular pick as the favorite in Class B North again. In addition to scoring plenty of Heal points, a win here could help Gardiner players gain confidence that they can be a true championship contender.

Skowhegan at Messalonskee, Oct 18: The two rivals also meet in Skowhegan on Sept. 20, but their late-season rematch could settle the top of the Class A North standings. The teams split their games last year, each winning by a goal and each winning on their home field, with Messalonskee’s win coming in double overtime.