Portland and Deering are among the former Class A schools that will play in Class B next fall.

The Fitzpatrick Trophy finalists and both Gaziano lineman winners are scheduled to play in the 30th annual all-star football game.

The proposal before state legislators comes as fears over the risk of brain injuries have led to a sharp decline in the number of youths participating in tackle football.

The SAD 51 board votes unanimously in favor of merging the football programs starting this fall.

The MPA adjusts the enrollment breaks, negating a proposal that would have put the defending champion Hawks in Class A.

Kennebunk's Dante DeLorenzo signs with New Haven, and Portland's Nathan Kapongo intends to play at New Hampshire.

A Maine Principals' Association panel recommends that 10 schools form two divisions this fall for eight-man football, a version of the sport that would be new to Maine.

There is also uncertainty about the classification of 11-man football heading into a critical MPA meeting Thursday.

He becomes the first player from a Class D school to capture the annual award, given to the top senior in Maine high school football.

Thomas Palmer of Thornton Academy and Aidan McGlone of Bonny Eagle are the state's top linemen.

The Gaziano linemen dinner is Saturday and a Fitzpatrick Trophy winner will be named Sunday.

'If you don't have 30 kids (on your roster) you shouldn't be allowed to play 11-man football,' says Jack Cosgrove of Colby.

Followers of Deering and Portland high schools agree at a meeting that participation in middle schools is a problem that needs to be addressed immediately.

The event to honor the top senior football player in Maine will be held Jan. 27.

As participation drops, parents of Deering and Portland high school players will toss around the idea of unifying their teams Thursday night.

The former Portland coach led the Clippers to state titles in 2010-11 and will now coach an eight-man team.

The proposal catches some athletic directors by surprise after they responded to a survey about interest in 8-man football.

The awards honor Maine's top senior linemen in high school football.

The former Windham offensive coordinator replaces Jim Hartman, who retired after seven seasons.

Thornton Academy's Anthony Bracamonte, Wells High's Tyler Bridge and Portland High's Zack Elowitch are up for the award.

Tyler Bridge of Wells, Anthony Bracamonte of Thornton Academy and Zack Elowitch of Portland each gained more than 2,000 all-purpose yards.

The senior running back/cornerback excelled on offense, defense and special teams for a team that won its third straight state championship.

Aaron Filieo returns to his roots after 15 years leading the Capers.

The senior running back starred on an unbeaten Class A championship team.

The annual award honors Maine's top senior in high school football.

With participation declining, a Maine Principals’ Association committee votes to replace the Class E developmental league with an eight-man division to make it easier for small schools to field teams.

After 10 seasons, David Higgins says the program that wins despite its small roster needs 'someone else with a little more energy.'

The teams play Wednesday because of the frigid forecast for Thursday, and the Bulldogs beat the Rams 45-0 as Zack Elowitch scores five touchdowns.

The crosstown rivals will meet at 4 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Stadium.

With weather an issue, the Portland-Deering game may be held Wednesday, Thursday or not at all.

Wells and Marshwood could be well positioned to add to their recent run of state championships.

Tyler Bridge scores five touchdowns and passes for another as the Warriors win their third straight state championship, and second in Class D.

Behind Tommy Springer's passing, Trevor Chase's explosive runs and a stout defense, the Hawks beat Brunswick, 49-0.

Tyler Pelletier's punt return in the fourth quarter proves the difference in a 13-12 victory.

Anthony Bracamonte scores four touchdowns in a 49-14 win over Portland.

The Warriors will go for their third consecutive state football championship Saturday against Foxcroft Academy.

The popular Madden game has applications for high school football players and coaches.

Portland's best hope for success, says one rival coach, is through the air.

The four southern Maine champions are heavy favorites according to our panel.

Veteran reserves do their unglamorous work at practice so the Hawks can fly high on game days.

The Dragons have overcome injuries and inconsistent line play to reach the state championship game for the fourth time in five years.

After going 4-4 in the regular season, the Warriors allowed only 12 points in the Class C North playoffs.

The Raiders rebounded from an opening defeat to reach their first state championship game.

Wells and Foxcroft Academy will play for the title at 7 p.m. Saturday in Orono.

Greely is looking for a way to redefine itself as its already small roster is likely to continue to shrink.

Here's what to look for in the four state championship games.

The Raiders will play for the Class C state championship after beating top-seeded Leavitt in the South final, 20-13.

The Warriors capture their regional title, beating Hampden 13-6.

The Falcons, who dropped to the developmental league after a 1-7 season last year, finish with a 9-1 record and a title.

The Golden Trojans advance to the state final with a 53-21 win over the defending state champions.