Bucksport facing must-win vs. Bapst Bangor hosts Mt. Blue; undefeated Lawrence clashes with Skowhegan

The seventh week of Maine’s high school football season brings several games that look cut and dried on paper, a few with drastic playoff implications, and what should be a clearer picture of the entire postseason picture.

John Bapst (5-1) at Bucksport (3-3), Carmichael Field, 7 p.m.: The John Bapst Crusaders have already clinched a playoff spot in the LTC Class C playoffs, but want to cement the No. 2 spot and a win over the Golden Bucks, who need this game desperately to remain in playoff contention, would almost virtually do just that.

Bapst’s Kyle Gallant is the conference’s leading quarterback with 689 yards on 42-for-89 passing. He has thrown for seven touchdowns and just one interception. The balanced Bapst offense is also led by tailback Nick Smith, the No. 2 LTC C rusher with 15 TD’s and 793 yards on 112 carries.

Bapst’s biggest task will be finding a way to slow down Bucksport tailback Nate Warren, the conference’s No. 1 back. Warren has already passed the 1,000-yard mark with 1,056 total. He also has 14 TD’s on 108 total carries.

The Crusaders are ranked first offensively and defensively in the LTC with 351.7 yards per game gained and 108.5 allowed. The Golden Bucks are sixth in defense (254.1) and seventh offensively (287.3).

Mt. Blue (3-3) at Bangor (5-1), Cameron Stadium, 7 p.m.: The Cougars of Farmington once again feature the top passing offense in the Pine Tree Conference with quarterback Joe Gilbert completing 63 of 97 passes for 924 yards and nine touchdowns against just three interceptions in five games. Derek Rowe provides a running threat with a 6.2 yards per carry average. Tim Lagasse leads Mt. Blue with 55 tackles – tied for second in the PTC through week five.

The Cougars need a win as they’re currently tied for fifth with Mount Ararat record-wise, but two Crabtree points ahead of the Eagles.

The Rams have a firm grip on second place as long as they run the table. They’re tied with Skowhegan at 131.25 Crabtree points apiece, but beat the Indians head to head.

Bangor’s Kyle Vanidestine is ranked fourth with 78 carroes for 659 rushing yards (8.4 yards per carry) and 10 TD’s. Quarterback Ian Edwards has completed 20 of 51 passes for 383 yards, but Bangor’s strength is in its rushing attack and defense, as last week’s second half shutout of previously unbeaten Lewiston last week attests. Bangor’s Tyler McDade is fourth in the PTC with 66 tackles and Edwards is in the top five. Shane Walton has six interceptions, one of which went for a 101-yard TD return.

Skowhegan (5-1) at Lawrence (6-0), Cooper Stadium at Keyes Field, Fairfield, 7 p.m.: The Indians visit the unbeaten Bulldogs of Fairfield with the unenviable task of trying to hand the defending champs their first loss. A win could vault the Indians as high as second, but a loss could drop them to fourth.

Zac Whiting was the No. 2 rusher in the conference through five weeks with 878 yards and 11 TD’s on 95 carries. Lawrence’s 1-2 rushing punch of Devon Costigan and Shawn Champagne have combined for 638 yards and 11 TD’s.

Rockland (4-2) at Stearns (2-4), Alumni Field, Millinocket, 7 p.m.: The Tigers engineered a big turnaround last week behind versatile back Andrew Weiss and sophomore quarterback Dylan Meklin, who subbed at quarterback for Weiss, who led the ground attack. The win vaulted Rockland into third place. The Tigers need to continue that momentum with a win over the struggling Minutemen. Stearns is led by Charlie Osborne, the 10-leading rusher in the LTC with 309 yards and four TD’s on 83 carries.

Mattanawcook Academy (4-2) at Maine Central Institute (1-5), Pittsfield 7 p.m.: The Mattanawcook Lynx of Lincoln bring a punishing and multifaceted ground game to bear against the MCI Huskies. Brady Vose leads the way with 554 yards and six touchdowns on 82 carries, but he shares the load with Derek Libbey (153, three, 41) and Josh Murchison (233, one, 33). Nick Miller leads the Huskies’ offense as the LTC’s fourth-leading rusher with 599 yards and five TD’s on 114 carries.

Messalonskee (1-5) at Brewer (0-6), Doyle Field, 7 p.m.: After falling just one overtime point short of their first win of the season, the Witches will try again against the Eagles of Oakland at home. Jaime Nickerson leads Brewer as a two-way starter. He had 28 tackles and 98 yards on 19 carries after five games.