Rams set for home opener Witches host Huskies; Belfast to battle Stearns

The second week of the high school football season won’t make or break anyone’s season, but it may go a long way toward weeding out the opening week flashes from the long-term contenders.

The LTC continues its two-week, inter-conference schedule between its Class B and C teams while the Pine Tree Conference offers several new matchups as longtime PTC members become accustomed to new members Messalonskee of Oakland and West foes Lewiston and Edward Little of Auburn.

Gardiner (0-1) at Bangor (1-0), 7 p.m., Cameron Stadium: The Rams host the Tigers in their home opener. Offensively, the contest appears uneven as the Rams own the top-ranked offense in the PTC with 397 total yards while Gardiner is ninth with 203. Defensively, however, the teams match up better. Again the Rams are No. 1 with just 126 yards allowed, but Gardiner is No. 3 with 183.

Bangor features good offensive balance with Buddy Nickerson, a 152-yard rusher, and Chris Bombardier, a 151-yard passer. Gardiner may have a passing threat this season with quarterback Jordan Stebbins and receiver Shawn Cloutier, the No. 1 receiver in the PTC with 56 yards on three receptions last week.

Maine Central Institute (0-1) at Brewer (1-0), 7 p.m., Doyle Field: The Huskies of Pittsfield are coming off an ego-bruising loss to Dexter while the Witches are above the .500 mark for the first time in four years. This is only the third-ever meeting between the two teams as Brewer is 2-0 against MCI.

A win would accomplish Brewer coach Josh Emmett’s first goal of getting his young Witches off to a good start and put a good-sized crimp in defending East C champ MCI’s outlook, although neither team will begin their conference schedules until next week.

Stearns (0-1) at Belfast (1-0), 7 p.m.: The Stearns Minutemen of Millinocket are learning the price of success first hand as they head into the second week of arguably the toughest opening schedule in the LTC with Class B powers Winslow and Belfast, the last two Class B state champions. The Minutemen are 12-1 lifetime against the Lions, but making it 13-for-14 is a tall order. LTC B Player of the week Jeff Parenteau (23 rushes for 148 yards and two touchdowns) leads the Lions.

John Bapst (0-1) at Orono (1-0), 7 p.m.: The visiting Crusaders and host Red Riots both feel like they got rid of some negative karma last week, even though Bapst is trying to break an 11-game losing streak. Class C Orono took a big step with a win over Class B archrival Old Town, while Bapst’s offense showed promise with 20 points, just two off its season total in 2000. Bapst head coach Barry Terrill coaches against his alma matter and brother Brandon Terrill to make this a civil clash.

Dexter (1-0) at Mount Desert Island (1-0), 7 p.m.: Both teams are coming off momentum-building wins and one team will keep that momentum going. Both the Tigers and Trojans look like solid playoff contenders in Class C and B, respectively. Dexter halfback free safety Kevin Armstrong is LTC’s C Player of the Week.

Bucksport (0-1) at Hampden Academy (0-1), 7 p.m.: The Golden Bucks are led by tailback Warren Chase (7.0 yards per carry) and quarterback Chris McHale, back from a severe knee injury. The Broncos again feature solid running with senior backs Justin Groshon and Tristan Grover.

Mattanawcook Academy (0-1) at Old Town (0-1), 7 p.m., Victory Field: The Lynx of Lincoln and Indians both need a win to take away the aftertaste of last week’s bitter losses. The Indians’ Jeremy Storrman leads the LTC with 116 passing yards, but has only completed four of 15 attempts.