Regular-season success usually translates into postseason advancement for at least one of the elite teams in American Legion Zone 1 baseball.

Last year, top-seeded Brewer earned its way to the state championships by rolling through the zone tournament undefeated; a year earlier second-seeded Bangor followed a similar path to the states.

Those same teams loom as favorites as the 2004 Zone 1 tournament begins today with three first-round games at Mansfield Stadium in Bangor.

Both won Zone 1 divisional titles by comfortable margins, Bangor by seven games in the North and Brewer by four games in the South. Bangor (20-3) defeated Brewer (19-4) in a playoff to earn the No. 1 seed.

But part of the recent magic of the double-elimination Zone 1 playoffs has stemmed from the fact that two survivors advance to the state tournament that begins Aug. 4 in Augusta.

Two years ago, No. 5 Penquis rose from a 10-12 record to qualify for the states, then sixth-seeded Calais pounded out 42 runs and 59 hits to win three elimination games last year and earn its first-ever state tourney berth.

“Anything can happen when tournament time comes,” said Penquis coach Billy Kane, whose No. 4 Navigators (13-9) play No. 3 Trenton (15-7) at 8 p.m. Thursday. “Two years ago we came in as a fifth seed and came out and went to the states. This year we’re just going to go out there and do the best we can and hopefully we’ll play well.”

The tournament opens at noon, with Bangor facing No. 6 Lincoln (11-11). No. 2 Brewer plays No. 5 Calais (12-10) at 4 p.m.

“Every team has a strength going into the tournament,” said Zone 1 coach of the year Jay Kemble of Bangor. “You just hope your strength carries you through.”

Penquis may be poised to step back into that upstart role in this year’s tournament, with nine wins in its last 12 games after a 4-6 start. The Navigators feature pitching depth led by Jason Weymouth (4-1, 2.33 ERA) and James Gray (3-2, 3.22 ERA) and a solid lineup including second baseman Eric Day (.410), first baseman Josh Pelletier (.380), Gray (.330), Weymouth (.305) and shortstop Danny White (.297).

“We’ve started to hit the ball a lot better, we’re swinging at good pitches and not making so many mistakes at the plate,” said Kane. “Defensively we’ve really come around, and we’re not walking as many guys. We’re really jelling as a team.”

Trenton has a large contingent of players from the reigning Class C state championship team from George Stevens Academy of Blue Hill, as well as 2003 GSA graduate Mark Clapp, the Zone 1 player of the year after batting .552 with 36 runs scored and 14 stolen bases.

Other keys for the Acadians are first baseman Arshwin Asjes (.481) and pitchers Dan Hilts (3-2, one save, 2.42 ERA) and Collin Henry (4-1, 3.86 ERA).

Bangor has three pitchers who earned All-Zone honors: Zone 1 pitcher of the year Anthony DeRosa (5-0, 1.85 ERA), first-team honoree Phil Cayford (4-0, 2.25 ERA) and second-team choice Josh Young (2-1, 2.73 ERA). Offensive leaders for the Comrades include third baseman Brian Hackett (.392, 13 doubles, 24 RBI), second baseman Nick Larochelle (.387, 12 stolen bases) and outfielder Nate Hall (.313, 18 for 18 in stolen bases).

Lincoln is led by shortstop Nate Cousineau (.385), catcher Tom Lasko (.344), first baseman Steve Whitney (.343), outfielders Matt Wark (.321) and Jason Murchison (.311) and pitcher-outfielder Jeremy Ham (4-3, 3.20 ERA; .313 BA, 12 for 12 in stolen bases).

Brewer has a strong 1-2 pitching punch in Andrew Patterson (5-1, 2.68 ERA) and Pat Moran (3-0, 2.94 ERA) to go with a deep offense that includes Moran (.508), catcher Joe Robicheau (.441), shortstop J.T. Davis (.412), DH Andrew Otis (.405), outfielder Jeff Miller (.352) and second baseman Zac Bouzan-Kaloustian (.342).

The Falcons have been adjusting to the recent loss of standout third baseman Kevin McAvoy (.471), sidelined by a broken bone in his hand.

“We’ve played pretty well since Kevin’s been out,” said Brewer coach David Morris. “All in all we’re in pretty good shape.”

Calais again has a solid hitting team, sparked by outfielder Steve Colbeth (.423, 6 HR) and catcher James Ramsdell (.469, 30 RBI), as well as pitcher-outfielder Scott Macdonald (5 saves, 2.88 ERA; .340 BA).

“The first game is extremely important for all the teams,” said Morris. “If you can come out and get in that winners’ bracket, you can really build some momentum.”