By this point in the season, most of the state’s football divisions have revealed a clear pecking order.

Class A North is an exception, even with Edward Little, with a 6-0 record, sitting above a cluster of teams.

“If you were to watch game videos, things can go either way in a lot of the games,” said Dave Sterling, in his eighth season as the Red Eddies’ coach. “It’s a pretty neck-and-neck league and we’ve won close games.”

Three wins against conference opponents have been by eight points or less. Edward Little came from behind to beat Cheverus and Oxford Hills.

Oxford Hills, Windham, Cheverus and Lewiston are each 3-3, and Portland, despite its 1-5 record, was within 10 points in losses to Oxford Hills, Edward Little, Windham and Cheverus.

The only team out of the picture completely is Bangor (0-6), which lost to Portland 56-0 and has been outscored, 277-20.

Edward Little drew the two weakest teams in Class A South for its crossover games, taking care of business with convincing victories against winless Massabesic and Deering (1-5).

In contrast, Oxford Hills has to follow up last week’s 40-0 home loss to Thornton Academy with a trip to Scarborough (5-1); Windham faced both Scarborough and Bonny Eagle, resulting in two lopsided losses; and Portland (Bonny Eagle) and Cheverus (Thornton) each had one game against a South power.

“I think all six teams are pretty equal,” said Portland Coach Jim Hartman. “(Edward Little) has probably the best player, (wide receiver/linebacker Maxx) Bell. I think we’re evenly matched (as a league) and I think we know each other from playing each other consistently. We’re starting to form a league now.”

Under the old Crabtree standings, Edward Little would have the top spot locked up. This year’s switch to Heal points means there’s still room for movement throughout the league.

Edward Little hosts Windham on Friday and finishes the season next week with Lewiston. Windham and Lewiston are tied for second. With a finishing schedule that includes Sanford at home, then a game at Oxford Hills, Cheverus could rise from its fourth-place tie with Oxford Hills.

“Mike (Vance, the Cheverus coach) has done a great job going back to old-fashioned football, and he’s probably going to finish 5-3 and be second in our league,” Hartman said.

Portland is looking to get out of the sixth spot if it can beat visiting Lewiston, then win the Battle of the Bridge on Oct. 21 at South Portland.

The region’s apparent parity also may extend to some playoff upsets.

“I think there’s very good football to be played as we get past the next couple weeks,” Sterling said.

IN CLASS B South, Marshwood is at Kennebunk Saturday in a game that pits 6-0 teams that separated themselves from a solid league.

Marshwood has a slight edge in total points (259-235). Kennebunk, with three shutouts, has allowed a few less points (49-66). Kennebunk won the regional title in 2013 and 2016. Marshwood won the regional (and state) title in 2014 and 2015.

“In the past they’ve been predominantly a run-oriented team and the thing that makes them more dangerous is they have a very good pass game,” said Kennebunk Coach Joe Rafferty. “Their quarterback (Tommy Springer) has added another dimension. They throw the ball more than in past years and they throw it well.”

Four Marshwood players caught three or more passes in the 42-19 win against Falmouth last Friday: Sam Cartmill (4 catches, 48 yards), Kyle Glidden (3-62, 2 TDs), rugged sophomore fullback Josh Bryant (3-48), and Jake Longarini (3-24).

Kennebunk has its own talented junior quarterback in Tripp Bush and the offense has hardly missed a beat since top running back Jake Littlefield broke his collarbone in the third game of the season. Dante DeLorenzo and Derek Smith “have collectively filled that void for us,” Rafferty said.

IN CLASS C, Fryeburg Academy (5-1) at Cape Elizabeth (4-2) on Friday is a game to watch. Both teams suffered close, low-scoring losses to Class C South leader Leavitt. Cape also lost at Class D power (and 2016 Class C champ) Wells, 14-7.

“(Cape) could very easily be 6-0,” said Fryeburg Coach David Turner. “As usual they’re one of the top teams.”

The Raiders are trying to prove they belong in that category. A year ago they posted six convincing wins but weren’t quite ready to beat Wells or Cape. This season top offensive threats Cody Gullikson, Jared Chisari and quarterback Oscar Saunders return, and the defense has allowed a league-low 43 points.

“We are a better team this year. The majority of our kids are back,” Turner said. “And our weight room participation has been on the increase the last few years.”

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