Biddeford will be without quarterback Casey Twomey for Friday night’s opener at Bonny Eagle, the defending Class A champion. Twomey sprained his ankle last Friday in an exhibition against Cheverus.

Twomey, a senior, was hit while punting. At first it was feared he broke his ankle.

Additional Photos

In this 2013 file photo, Biddeford's Casey Twomey, gets dragged down by a Scarborough player. The Tigers' starting QB will be sidelined with an injury for the season's first game.

FIFTH-QUARTER/ PRESS HERALD POLL

Here are the top 10 football teams in Maine, based on voting from Press Herald staff writer Tom Chard, Lee Goldberg of WCSH-Channel 6, and two coaches from each of the four classes.

(With total votes, and first-place votes in parentheses)

1. Bonny Eagle (6) 90

2. Thornton Acad. (4) 82

3. Cheverus 74

4. Marshwood 48

5. Windham 32

6. Portland 30

7. Brunswick 21

8. Lewiston 17

9. Falmouth 13

10. Leavitt 10

“The player came from right off the corner,” said Coach Brian Curit. “Casey got hit pretty hard.”

The good news is Twomey was soon up and walking.

“Our training staff has been pretty aggressive in treating it,” said Curit, who added Twomey might be able to play next Friday night at Massabesic and definitely should be available the next week against Noble.

Sophomore Joey Curit, the coach’s son who will run the offense, has gotten a crash course this past week in preparing to play a varsity game.

“Joey is an option quarterback who throws well,” Brian Curit said. “He just needs to stay within himself and he’ll be fine.”

Biddeford has a couple of talented backs: Capen Macomber is a 240-pound fullback and Lucas Rhoy is a tailback who can break for a score any time.

“We’re hoping our defense plays well and keeps us close so we have a shot at the end,” Curit said.

Deering BEAT Scarborough 33-28 in an exhibition last Friday night at Deering – one of numerous exhibitions throughout the state.

Deering, a member of Eastern Class A, is looking to improve on a 1-7 record. The Rams have excellent speed they hope to use against bigger teams.

Quarterback Max Chabot, with a year’s experience, demonstrated a strong passing touch to a bevy of receivers, notably Sambath Sao, who didn’t play last season. The Rams have several big receivers, including Dom Bernard, Nick Lunn, Jacob Coon and Jonah Rogers.

“We feel pretty good where we’re at but we have a long way to go,” said Coach Matt Riddell.

The Rams will be home against Windham on Friday night.

Windham returned nearly its entire team from last year’s playoff squad. Up front, Deering has four seniors and a junior.

Bangor is expected to be a factor in Eastern Class A, which also includes Cheverus and Portland.

“We should be in the mix,” said Coach Mark Hackett.

It’s a typical Bangor team – big in the line with a powerful tailback in Dane Johnson. The 195-pounder has run a 4.6 in the 40.

“We’re pretty big and strong. The question is will we be quick enough,” said Hackett.

Bangor is excited about playing road games at Deering, Portland and Cheverus. In years past when Class A was configured differently, Bangor would travel to southern Maine to play such teams as Biddeford, Portland, South Portland and Deering in the regular season. The Rams felt playing the best teams in the West made them better.

“We’re thrilled with our schedule,” said Hackett. “Playing the best teams in the South gets you ready for the playoffs. We love to travel. It’s only two hours to southern Maine, not two days.”

Bangor plays at Deering on Sept. 19 and at Portland on Sept. 26.

Hackett and Athletic Director Steve Vanidestine believe the last time Bangor played at Deering was in 1986. Bangor played Portland for the state title at Fitzpatrick Stadium in 2001 with Bangor winning 20-14.