Through three weeks, it’s looking like this season could be wide open in the SMAA. The defending Class A champs from Bonny Eagle solidified their top spot with a big win over Deering last Thursday, overcoming an early deficit to roll to a 41-21 win. Deering drops in the rankings, but can work its way back up this week with a showdown against Windham that will be very telling for both teams. That should be the game of the week on Friday, but there’s another doozy slated for Saturday, with undefeated Sanford (winless a year ago), looking to continue its fine turnaround when it visits Thornton Academy, which hasn’t lost in the regular season in two years.

Front five:

1. Bonny Eagle (3-0): After falling behind Deering 14-7 in the second quarter, the Scots rattled off 27 straight points to seize control as senior quarterback Ryan Nason ran for two touchdowns, threw for another and also had an interception return for a touchdown on defense. He’s proving to be a more than capable replacement for Nate Doehler, last year’s Fitzpatrick Trophy winner who did it all for Bonny Eagle.

2. Thornton Academy (3-0): The Golden Trojans are coming off a 56-0 destruction of winless Noble. Their three wins are against opponents with a combined record of 1-8. Suffice it to say Thornton hasn’t really been put to the test yet. That changes this week, with Sanford coming to town. Then next week, the Trojans visit Deering. The two-game stretch will have major postseason implications.

3. Cheverus (3-0): Nothing fancy here. The Stags are going to run at opponents, eat clock, avoid penalties and turnovers, and play good defense. They have a capable passing game that can be deadly off play action. Cheverus wants to dominate the time of possession and capitalize on opponents’ mistakes. It did both on Saturday, running effectively, shutting down South Portland’s ground game and picking off three passes en route to a 21-0 victory.

4. Windham (2-1): After being tripped up by the Stags two weeks ago, the Eagles bounced back with a resounding 40-6 win over Gorham. A win over Deering this week could reaffirm the Eagles’ top contender status, with a duel with Bonny Eagle on the horizon (Oct. 9). Offensively, the Eagles might be the best team in the league. If they can avoid mistakes and shore up the defense, they can beat anyone.

5. Deering (2-1): Over undefeated Sanford? Over 3-0 Biddeford? Yes. The discrepancy between the Cumberland and York County teams was glaring last season, and that cannot be ignored. In quarterback Jamie Ross, Deering has the Tim Tebow of the SMAA. He threw for over 100 yards and a touchdown and carried 37 (37!) times for 164 yards and two scores against a good and physical Bonny Eagle defense. He runs like a fullback, taking on and plowing over linebackers. The Rams have room for improvement, but should be tough come season’s end.

On the verge: Sanford (3-0) and Biddeford (3-0) are off to excellent starts and have brought excitement back to their respective towns, which have proud football traditions. But neither team has defeated a top-notch opponent. Sanford will be put to the test this week. With a win, the Redskins would undoubtedly be in next week’s Front Five. Biddeford, too, is knocking on the door.

Playoff caliber: Massabesic (2-1) should have its third win after hosting Noble this Friday, which would put the Mustangs in a good spot at the midway point. With Bonny Eagle, Thornton and Sanford on the second-half slate, the team will have a chance to show what it is really capable of. … Portland (1-2) squeaked by Westbrook for its first victory after playing tough in losses to Deering and Bonny Eagle to start the season. The schedule is demanding, but if the Bulldogs can win the games they should and pull off an upset or two, they’ll be a playoff team.

Hanging around: South Portland (1-2) has a good defense, an excellent running back and a top receiver. The Red Riots are just struggling to put up points, and it doesn’t get any easier this week against Bonny Eagle. … Kennebunk (1-2) could still put together a few wins and sneak up on some teams. … Scarborough (0-3) has been keeping it close each week, but hasn’t yet found a way to win.

Lots of work to do: After dropping a heartbreaker to Portland, Westbrook (0-3) is still looking for its first non-forfeit win in two seasons. … Gorham (0-3) made the playoffs a year ago. That doesn’t look likes it’s happening this time around. … Marshwood (0-3) and Noble (0-3) are hoping to build for the future.

This week’s games:

Friday

Deering (2-1) at Windham (2-1), 7 p.m. Not quite a must-win, but pretty close for Windham if it wants to host an opening round playoff game.

Bonny Eagle (3-0) at South Portland (1-2), 7 p.m. The Scots will need to avoid a letdown after their big win over Deering. The Red Riots will be hungry after a disappointing performance against Cheverus.

Cheverus (3-0) at Portland (1-2), 7 p.m. Both teams have strong running games. If Portland can avoid mistakes and break off a big play or two, the Bulldogs could pull off the upset.

Westbrook (0-3) at Gorham (0-3), 7 p.m. Though maybe not the most attractive matchup of the night, this could be a competitive game between two teams searching for their first win.

Marshwood (0-3) at Kennebunk (1-2), 7 p.m. The host Rams will look to get to .500.

Noble (0-3) at Massabesic (2-1), 7 p.m. Noble will try to keep it closer than last year’s 47-6 drubbing against the Mustangs.

Biddeford (3-0) at Scarborough (0-3), 7 p.m. The records don’t tell the whole story. The Tigers have their work cut out for them if they are to move to 4-0.

Saturday

Sanford (3-0) at Thornton Academy (3-0), 1:30 p.m. Sanford’s previous three opponents are a combined 0-9. Thornton’s are 1-8. No matter. The winner of this game becomes the frontrunner in York County.

Each week throughout the rest of the regular season, Current Publishing sports reporter Tom Minervino will compile his SMAA Football Power Rankings based on stats, results, observations and conversations. The rankings will be posted on keepmecurrent.com each Monday and will run in Current Publishing’s six weekly papers later in the week.

Agree? Disagree? Think Minervino has gone mad? Let him know. Send comments and questions to tminervino@keepmecurrent.com.