The remaining schools in Class C South no longer have Leavitt to worry about. The Hornets have moved back to Class B.

Still, there’s no shortage of teams capable of taking over the championship mantle in the South. In the North, meanwhile, there’s still defending state champion Winslow, which despite graduation losses still figures to be a contender.

“We have some spots to fill but I’m cautiously optimistic,” said Coach Mike Siviski. “We have kids who are anxious to play after waiting in the wings for guys to graduate.”

The Black Raiders should be strong defensively, with eight starters back. They also have five starters returning on offense.

Waterville, Foxcroft Academy and Belfast also reached the regional semifinals last year – Waterville’s only two losses were against Winslow – and all are expected to contend again.

“It’s a deep league,” said Foxcroft Coach Dan White, who has one of the state’s top players in quarterback/safety Hunter Smith. “You have four teams that had five or more wins a year ago. Every game is a physical contest.”

The South could be just as competitive but Yarmouth appears to be the favorite.

“Yarmouth has everyone back (except) two starters. They play well as a team,” said Wells Coach Tim Roche.

What could hurt Yarmouth is lack of depth. The Clippers had to pull out of scrimmages against Class B schools Falmouth and Greely because of injuries.

If they stay healthy, the Clippers should challenge for a regional title. Coach Jason Veilleux has a veteran backfield with halfbacks Cody Cook and Jack Snyder, and quarterback John Thoma. The line is experienced and all the linebackers are back.

This season could be special for Veilleux, in his second season as head coach.

Because of its winning tradition, Wells can never be counted out despite the loss of several starters to graduation.

“We’re young,” said Roche. “Out of 42 players, 32 are sophomores and juniors. Even with a young group, we have a lot of confidence. They’ve worked hard.”

Cape Elizabeth Coach Aaron Filieo said his team should have good balance between the run and the pass, and strong leadership. Looking at the league, Filieo offered: “Yarmouth is going to be good. Wells is reloading and Spruce Mountain graduated some key skill people.”

Filieo, whose team dropped from Class B before the 2013 season, said Class C “is a good spot for us.

“Our enrollment numbers don’t bode well to play in Class B. One of the things you lose with realignment are natural rivalries. But we still play Yarmouth. Cape-Yarmouth is a natural rivalry.”