They’re the last two undefeated teams in Class D South. After Friday night, only one will be the leader of the pack.

That said, the showdown between Winthrop/Monmouth/Hall-Dale (3-0) and Dirigo (3-0), scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Harlow Park in Dixfield, could very well be a regional title preview.

The Ramblers are coming off a 51-6 road victory over Lisbon. In its first three games, Winthrop has scored 121 points (40.3 per game) while allowing just 18.

Dirigo edged fellow contender Oak Hill, 26-22, at home in last week’s western Maine football game of the week. The Cougars are led by junior Hudson Lufkin, who has put up Madden-esque numbers through the first three games.

The question for Friday night, however, is whether Lufkin will play. He suffered a knee injury against Oak Hill, and his status for the Winthrop game is questionable, according to head coach Joshua Newhall.

Keys to a Winthrop victory

• Keep pounding the rock. The duo of Carter Rand and Ross Fichthorn has accounted for 518 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. If the Ramblers get into a rhythm with the running game, they’re a hard group to stop. As if they needed more help, the offensive line is fully healthy for the first time this season.

• Win the turnover battle. In three games, the Ramblers have forced five interceptions and three fumbles. Linebacker Brock Dewar leads the group with 24 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Ben Porter has shown a nose for the ball, forcing two fumbles.

Keys to a Dirigo victory

• Who’s the quarterback? If Lufkin is unable to play, sophomore Heaven Stokley is the next player up. Newhall has been impressed with Stokely’s play in junior varsity games and has confidence that he can manage the offense.

• Get the ball in Tanner Bradden’s hands, no matter who is playing quarterback. Newhall notes that the senior can be used in multiple roles.

Winthrop difference makers

• Junior RB/LB Ross Fichthorn (39 carries, 254 yards, 4 TDs); junior RB Carter Rand (36 carries, 264 yards, 4 TDs); senior WR/S Ben Porter (5 receptions, 149 yards, 2 TDs; 2 forced fumbles); Senior LB Brock Dewar (24 tackles, 9 TFL, 1.5 sacks)

Dirigo difference makers

• Junior QB/S Hudson Lufkin (450 yards passing, 11 TDs; 45 carries, 601 rushing yards, 5 TDs); senior RB/LB Tanner Bradden (31 carries, 175 yards, TD); senior WR/DB Trevor Crosby (9 receptions, 199 yards, 6 TDs; 2 INTs)

Last meeting

Nov. 8, 2024: Winthrop won, 36-6, Class D South semifinal. Cody Cobb and Carter Rivers combined for 345 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

Series history

According to former Ramblers coach Dave St. Hilaire, Winthrop and Dirigo have faced off 28 times, including in 1938 when Dirigo was know as Dixfield High School. Winthrop is 17-11 in those games (14-9 in the regular season, 3-2 in the postseason). The Ramblers have won the past four meetings, though the teams didn’t play each other between 2017 and last year’s Class D South semifinal matchup. Dirigo’s last victory over Winthrop was in 2014.

Coach’s comments

• “We don’t think we can stop Lufkin. We just hope to contain him. I saw them play Oak Hill last weekend, and three or four of their big plays were broken plays. We’re just trying to put our kids in a position where we can slow him down enough to get some help over. … If we can keep him to two touchdowns, that would be great. I’ve been around a long time, he’s one of the best quarterbacks I’ve ever seen.” — Winthrop’s Joel Stoneton

• “(Physicality) can be an equalizer. If you can bring that adamant, physical trait, you can control the game. I fully expect that’s the type of game it’s going to be on Friday night. It’s two teams that don’t mind violence and don’t shy away from it. I don’t see it being an offensive shootout. It’s more of who gets the last punch and who is standing at the end.” — Dirigo’s Joshua Newhall