Football shifts into high gear as Classes B, C playoffs begin

It’s full-bore playoff time in the Maine high school football ranks as the Class B and C schedules shift into postseason mode.

No. 3 Leavitt (6-3) at No. 2 Brewer (7-2), Doyle Field, 7 p.m. Friday: The Witches are limping into the playoffs after suffering back-to-back losses to perennial powers Belfast and Winslow, but is seeking the program’s first playoff win in 32 years.

These two teams did not meet during the regular season as the Hornets of Turner play a predominantly Western Maine regular season schedule. These teams played only two common opponents: Fryeburg and Hampden Academy. Leavitt beat both teams by a combined score of 80-13 while Brewer beat both 70-16.

No. 3 Bucksport (6-3) at No. 2 Mattanawcook Academy (6-3), Alumni Field, 7 p.m. Friday: This playoff semifinal matchup is a rematch of a regular season game won by the Lynx of Lincoln 21-13 three weeks ago.

No. 4 Stearns (5-4) at No. 1 Foxcroft Academy (9-0), Oakes Field, 7 p.m., Friday: These teams met just two weeks ago, with the unbeaten Ponies pulling out a tight 13-6 victory.

Morse (6-3) at Belfast (9-0), 1 p.m. Saturday: Tailback Jeff Parenteau (1,397 yards on 166 carries) leads the unbeaten Lions as they try to win their first state title since 1999.

Parenteau and quarterback John Lear, along with fullback Matt Welch, have keyed the Belfast attack this season.

Nadeau’s Shipbuilders have won four in a row and five of their last six.

Jason Dowling had 800 yards rushing and 400 yards receiving as a running back/wide receiver with 12 touchdowns (six running, six receiving) and back Marty Toto has 705 yards and 9 TDs.