Lewiston’s Lauren Cote, right, maintains control of the ball while under pressure from Edward Little’s Tilly Savage during an October 2024 game in Auburn. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

Here’s a look at some of the games that could have ramifications in the playoff races this year:

Messalonskee at Lewiston, Sept. 4: This will provide an early litmus test for a Lewiston team looking to take a step forward into the top four or five spots of Class A North. Messalonskee is an experienced team with championship hopes of its own, and how well the Blue Devils hold up will give an indication of how much of a challenger they can be this year.

Mt. Blue at Skowhegan, Sept. 9: With all-conference players like Kali Judkins and Lily Huntley, Mt. Blue could have the pieces needed to make a championship run. Skowhegan is always the measuring stick, and the teams have had tight battles over the years. They played twice last fall, with Skowhegan taking both games by one goal.

Winthrop at Spruce Mountain, Sept. 20: Winthrop has holes to fill after winning four straight Class C titles but enough talent returning to remain a championship contender. A matchup against a Spruce Mountain team with high hopes of its own will show if there’s been any change to the Mountain Valley Conference and Class C South hierarchy.

Leavitt at Gardiner, Sept. 29: The Hornets were hit by graduation after an 11-2-1 season, but there’s enough talent for Leavitt to win if players can acclimate to new roles and form on-field chemistry. A showdown with Gardiner, which has one of Class B’s best players in Brynnlea Chaisson and a top scoring offense, will test how the Hornets have come along.

Lewiston at Edward Little, Oct. 18: In addition to being a rivalry between neighboring schools, this late-season matchup could be a pivotal one for playoff seeding. Lewiston was the eighth and final team in the Class A North playoffs last year, while Edward Little finished ninth and was the first team out.