Cony quarterback Parker Morin passes to Ethan Demmons during a September 2024 game against Leavitt in Turner. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer)

1. Cony: The Rams, who always are contenders in Class B North, look like central Maine’s best team in 2025. Cony returns all 11 starters on offense and all but one (Jackson Veilleux) on defense from what was already one of the Pine Tree Conference’s best teams last (5-4 with a B North semifinal berth). Quarterback Parker Morin is a potential Fitzpatrick Trophy finalist.

2. Messalonskee: Few teams in Maine have a better or more experienced quarterback than three-year starter senior Tatum Doucette, a dual threat. The Eagles, who won their first playoff game in eight years last year, also returns Landon Rancourt at running back and Malachi Cusano at receiver. Defensive end Denny Martin, and linebackers Caylub Logan and Seth Hansen are back to lead the defense.

3. Winthrop: Eight starters, including interior linemen Glaia Ngongo and Isaiah Trott, linebacker Brock Dewar and defensive back Ben Porter, return on defense for a Ramblers squad whose only losses last year were to Wells, which has moved up to Class C. Offensively, Class D South runner-up Winthrop (8-2 last season) returns both of its leading receivers in Porter and Brody Adams.

4. Winslow: Led by a strong rushing attack in Hassan Hobbi and Liem Fortin, Winslow is the favorite to win the Class D North championship this fall after losing it to Foxcroft (now in Class C) last season. Brody Davidson, Lucas Spencer and Ben Thomas lead experienced offensive and defensive lines for the Black Raiders, while Fortin and Broddik Bimpson anchor the linebacking corps.

5. Nokomis: The statewide Class C is a tough one to predict in 2025, but with Seth Bowden and Stephone Ross forming what has a chance to be central Maine’s most powerful rushing attack in 2025, the Warriors are ready to take it on. Bowden is also a key player in the secondary for senior-laden Nokomis, which has another top defensive back in Jeff Carr (six interceptions last season).

Also keep an eye on: Lawrence, Gardiner, Oak Hill