Class B South, formerly called Western Class B, has undergone a bit of a transformation, losing two teams to reclassification while adding three others.
Former Class A schools Biddeford and Noble are now in the league, along with Class C power Leavitt, which won a state championship in 2013 and lost in the state final last year.
Amid all the changes, last year’s regional finalists – Marshwood and Brunswick – are likely to be strong again. But there’s no shortage of potential challengers.
Seven of the 12 teams in Class B South and eight of the 10 teams in Class B North are former Class A schools. Both regions are stocked with strong teams, which should make for some exciting games this fall.
“I think the league is as good as any league in the state,” said Westbrook Coach Jeff Guerette. “There’s a tremendous amount of depth.”
Marshwood, of South Berwick, completed a 12-0 season with a 44-18 win over Brunswick in the state final last November. The Hawks graduated several key players, including Fitzpatrick Trophy winner Brett Gerry. Still, they expect to be a contender.
“We lost some outstanding seniors but we have a good core coming back,” said Coach Alex Rotsko.
Brunswick returns seven offensive starters and six defensive starters. The Dragons have one of the state’s top runners in Will Bessey, a Maine Sunday Telegram All-State selection. Bessey rushed for 1,600 yards last fall and scored 20 touchdowns.
Quarterback Thomas Hanson also returns, along with most of the line.
“He’s stronger, bigger and faster,” Coach Dan Cooper said of Bessey. “We should be good.”
Falmouth returns eight starters on both sides of the ball. The Yachtsmen have to replace quarterback Noah Nelson, who is now at Bowdoin College, but they believe that they have a good successor in sophomore Jack Bryant. Falmouth went 8-2 last season, losing to York in the regional quarterfinals.
“We’re very optimistic,” said Coach John Fitzsimmons. “We’ve got depth in the backfield and size in the line.”
Several other teams have enough talent to get into the playoffs and advance.
“It’s a very competitive league,” said Fitzsimmons. “We’ll all find out what Biddeford has to offer.
“The league is dominated with (former) Class A teams. Leavitt is a traditional power.”
Westbrook and Leavitt each will return seven starters on both sides of the ball. Both will feature wide-open offenses.
“You could have one of the most talented teams in the league and go 4-4,” said Morse Coach Jason Darling. “It’s going to come down to which teams stay healthy.”
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