Friday, 7 p.m.

Not too steep a challenge for the start of the Bruce Nicholas era in Lewiston. Only the defending Class A North champions and preseason favorites.

Edward Little at Bangor

Friday, 7 p.m.

Eddies’ summer 7-on-7 success, Rams’ exhibition loss to usually overmatched rival Brewer put new shine on this matchup of former PTC clubs.

Leavitt at Westbrook

Friday, 7 p.m.

Good example of what the Hornets are up against in return to Class B, as Blue Blazes one of seven teams in South that played in Class A within past decade.

Cony at Mt. Blue

Friday, 7 p.m.

Prime contender for highest-scoring game of the night. B.L. Lippert, architect of Rams’ spread offense, makes head coaching debut against Cougars’ explosive Nate Pratt-Holt and Christian Whitney.

Gray-New Gloucester at Mountain Valley

Friday, 7 p.m.

Patriots don’t think it will resemble the scene from “The Rivals” in which Falcons’ point total keeps spinning from 0 to 54. MV running back Kyle Farrar has ability to score in bunches, though.

Spruce Mountain at Wells

Friday, 7 p.m.

Fifth meeting in about 700 days for these Class C South rivals. Phoenix and Warriors both trying to prove they’re still stout after key losses from 14-13 Wells playoff win in November.

Freeport at Poland

Friday, 7 p.m.

Numbers have been Falcons’ traditional struggle. No such issue for the Knights, whose 14 returning seniors include four-fifths of the offensive line.

Lisbon at Winthrop/Monmouth

Friday, 7 p.m.

Based on the number of returning players, especially in the trenches, Ramblers look like favorite in this game on paper. But Greyhounds are loaded and explosive in the backfield.

Oak Hill at OOB

Friday, 7 p.m.

One of Raiders’ two state championship seasons included a hiccup here, so Oak Hill coaching staff and veteran offensive line won’t let younger players overlook Seagulls.

Telstar at Dirigo

Friday, 7 p.m.

Former Dirigo assistant Lou Brann takes over for the Rebels, who will be a decided underdog most weekends in Class D South. Cougars’ offense looks different but is perhaps more explosive this season.

Oxford Hills/Buckfield at Cheverus

Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

Vikings eager to build on first .500 season in nine years. After opening past two Septembers with wins over Lewiston, however, visit to Boulos Stadium tough way to kick off.