1. Falmouth: The defending Class B champions have built a strong Nordic program that includes seniors Jackson Bloch and Matt Goldstein, juniors Tim Follo and Ryan Tartre and sophomore Jay Lesser. An Alpine squad that placed second in the state last winter may be without giant slalom champion Alex Gowen, a sophomore who sliced his thigh when he crashed in a USSA race earlier this month. Seniors Teagan Dunfey and Matt Belliveau, junior Weston Scott and sophomores Luke Andrews, Cooper Lycan, Ben Hilfrank and Sam Hamilton provide depth and experience.

 

2. Yarmouth: A four-year championship run ended last winter with a two-point loss to Falmouth. The Clippers look to return to the top of the hill with an Alpine squad hit hard by graduation. Sophomores Matt Hyland and Drew Grout lead the way with skimeisters Ben Woodbury (senior) and Jack Elder (freshman) helping out. The Nordic contingent is young but deep, with sophomores Thomas Sullivan, Chester Jacobs and Jackson Hall — recovering from a knee injury — complementing senior Ben Johnson.

 

3. Fryeburg Academy: Having moved up from Class B only last winter, Fryeburg will be the only Class A school with experience in Presque Isle, site of the state championship meet. On the Nordic side, senior Seth Eastman, junior Paul Kurnick and sophomore Silas Eastman give Fryeburg a formidable top three. For Alpine, sophomores Kevin Reardon and Ian Shea lead an inexperienced squad looking to improve.

 

4. Freeport: The Falcons were runner-up in Class C to Fort Kent, which has won four consecutive state titles. This year’s competition in Rangeley/Saddleback plays to Freeport’s favor. Senior Ryan Collet leads a young and promising Alpine team. The Nordic contingent has two new coaches in David Steckler and Erik Krahn and is coming off a tie with Fort Kent for the state title. Scott Ross heads a strong senior class that includes Spencer Egan, Max Jennings and Bennett Wade.

 

5. Greely: Graduation took a toll on the Rangers, who placed third overall in Class A last winter. Still, they should remain competitive. Senior Connor Regan leads a Nordic team headed by new coaches Greg Dolbec and Tyler Jasud. Classmates Jeff Aalberg and Ryan Rybka provide support. Senior Peter Bailinson and sophomore Shane Delbianco lead a young Alpine team.

 

— Glenn Jordan, staff writer

 

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