Monmouth Academy at Hall-Dale, Friday: The Mustangs might be the favorites to win the Class D title, while the Bulldogs are looking to defend their title in Class C. A cross-class showdown between the two Mountain Valley Conference foes is an ideal start to the season.

Richmond at Mt. Abram, Sept. 15: A young Bobcats team has loaded up on MVC opponents for its Class D state championship defense. That includes a mid-September matchup in Salem Township against a Mt. Abram team looking to reach the Class C South title game for the fifth straight year.

Waterville vs. Mount View, Friday (at Mount View) and Oct. 21 (at Waterville): After going a combined 28-3 last season, the Purple Panthers and Mustangs should be top teams once again. Meetings in the regular-season opener and the finale should provide good tests for both squads.

Waterville vs. Winslow, Sept. 27 (at Winslow) and Oct. 7 (at Waterville): The Purple Panthers beat the Black Raiders twice last year, snapping a streak of 11 straight Winslow victories in the rivalry dating back to 2018. A Black Raiders team fresh off a rare losing season will be determined to bounce back.

Brunswick at Messalonskee, Oct. 16: Messalonskee returns the bulk of last year’s roster and is hoping for a breakout campaign in 2025. Senior night against a solid Dragons program presents the perfect chance for Messalonskee to make a statement as it sets its sights on the postseason.