Three Mid-coast region schools will be involved in championship soccer play this afternoon and the key word is “familiarity.”

Also, this caveat: weather and field conditions may alter plans so before heading out check with your respective schools and/or athletic administrators.

Lewiston-Mt. Ararat boys

In Eastern Maine Class A, the Lewiston and Mt. Ararat boys both play out of the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference and faced each other twice this year.

Top-ranked Mt. Ararat (14- 1-1) lost its only contest to the 13-1-2 and second-ranked Blue Devils 3-1, but came back to win the rematch 2-1 on Oct. 2. They meet today at 5 p.m.

Mt. Ararat has scored 54 goals and allowed 11 with seven shutouts.

Nate Santeramo, Robbie Small and Will Hirnak have been double-digit producers in the goals department, while Hirnak, Jason Tome, Chris Pepin and Eric Knight have patrolled the midfield.

On the defensive side of the field, look for the likes of Dylan Michaud, Alex LaPierre, Mike Crawford and Dan Purinton in front of goaltender Gabe Pelletier, who’s been “very solid,” said head coach Rick Renaud.

“I think in the first half of that first game we were tentative,” added Renaud. “But, in the second game we were a little conservative in the first half before playing really well after that.

“We have to work our tails off,” continued Renaud. “They’ve got some very skilled players who can punish you. Individually, they’re very good, but as a team we play well, too. Now, we’ve got some good players also, but we are much better when we work together.”

The Blue Devils are coached by Mike McGraw in his 30th year.

“I think the difference in the two games is that in the first game, I think Mt. Ararat was a bit conservative,” said McGraw. “In the second game they played with more intensity and confidence.

“The main thing is Rick is getting his kids to believe in how he wants them to play, he’s got his kids believing in how he wants it done.”

The Blue Devils are coming off a 3-2 overtime win over Hampden Academy with junior midfielder Abdibaari Hersi threading the winning shot.

“He put that ball in the only spot the goaltender couldn’t get to it,” said McGraw.

“It was the greatest feeling of my life,” said Hersi. “I just saw the ball go in and my heart soared. ”

“Our kids have to use their skills,” added McGraw. “They’re 15-, 16-and 17-yearold kids and sometimes they’re going to succumb to things they can’t control like officials and play a little undisciplined. We’ve got to work hard each and every game.

“But, when they’re on and playing with teamwork, it’s great to watch … people will enjoy their style. They love to play and have a great passion for the game.”

In the midfield look for Hersi, while offensively, Mohamed Ali and freshman Abdi Shariff-Hersi lead the way.

Shuab Naji, German foreign exchange student Lucas Schulze and Aden Issack have shined in front of goaltender Eric Soucy.

Going into today’s contest, Lewiston has scored 56 goals and allowed 19 with nine shutouts.

Morse-Falmouth girls

This is deja vu all over again as these two team will meet for the second straight year in Bath for the Western Maine Class B title (2:30 p.m. at Tainter Field).

The 14-1-1 Shipbuilders have scored 62 goals, led by Miracle Trimble’s 35, followed by Bri Williams’ 12. Sophie Sreden has dished out 10 assists, followed by Williams (8) and Paige Martin (6).

Defensively, the Shipbuilders allowed 13 goals, with goaltender Sadia Crosby making 91 saves with 10 shutouts.

Two-time defending state champion Falmouth had scored 34 goals and is coming off a 2-1 win over Gray-New Gloucester. Caitlin Bucksbaum leads with eight scores, while Cassie Darrow has seven and Alex Bernier five.

On the flip side, the Yachtsmen have given up just eight goals, three in a loss to Cape Elizabeth.

Richmond-Greenville girls

These two squads play out of the East-West Conference and also met twice this fall with No. 1 Richmond winning 5-0 at home and 3-0 on the road.

This Western Maine Class D finale is set for 12:30 p.m. at North Yarmouth Academy.

The 14-0-1 Bobcats have amassed 106 goals, led by Noell Acord (24), Amber Loon (22), Sadie Gosse (15) and Keslie Anair (9).

Gosse leads in assists with 21, followed by Loon with 11 and Taylor Clapp with nine.

Defensively, the Bobcats have given up four goals with 11 shutouts.

It’s always tough for a team to beat another team three times … you just know everyone so well,” said Richmond coach Troy Kendrick. “They really backed it up in the box against us. And, the only way to solve that is by scoring. We like to spread the field and look for the cracks and gaps in their defense.”

Defensively Bri Snedeker, Haley Murphy, Ciarra Lancaster and Marlena Carter have shined in front of goaltender Kelsi Obie.

“Kelsi has been a pleasant surprise,” said Kendrick. “She has a nice group of people in front of her so she doesn’t face a lot of quality shots, but when she does she’s come through for us.”

The turf could be a factor. “I would hope that with our style the field would give us an advantage,” said Kendrick. “And, you don’t have to worry about slipping and sliding.”

No. 2 Greenville, which is coming of a 2-1 semifinal win over Rangeley, has scored 38 goals and allowed nine.