Maine’s 3 must-watch high school football games this week
Friday Night Football Preview: Three Must‑Watch Matchups in the Maine High‑School Scene
Waterboro – October 2, 2026 – The Maine high‑school football calendar has a full house on Friday night, as six teams line up for three games that will shape the rest of the season. With playoff positions on the line and unbeaten records hanging in the balance, the games at Massabesic, Oxford Hills, and Cape Elizabeth promise plenty of action for fans and scouts alike.
1. Massabesic Mustangs (4‑1) vs. South Portland Red Riots (3‑2) – 7 p.m. at Waterboro
The Mustangs enter the game as the No. 8 team in the latest Varsity Maine poll and sit at the top of the Class A South Crabtree standings. Their last outing, a 14‑7 victory over Noble, saw them keep the Spartans to 70 rushing yards and a single touchdown, a testament to a stout defensive line that has been allowing just 70 yards per game all season.
South Portland, ranked No. 10, has been a tough opponent for many teams in the division. They’ll be looking to swing the game in their favor by capitalizing on their passing attack. Quarterback Shea Healy, who has thrown for 661 yards and six touchdowns while completing 45 of 87 passes, will be paired with tight end Jacoby Jellow (14 catches for 216 yards) and wide‑receiver Ben Dube (15 catches for 203 yards). Their offense has shown an ability to move the ball down the field, a contrast to Massabesic’s run‑heavy scheme.
Massabesic’s offense relies on a powerful inside running game. Fullback Alex Harriman, with 627 yards on 100 carries, and Dustin Maley, who added 278 yards on 41 carries—including a 75‑yard sprint against Noble—will be key to keeping the Red Riots’ defense off‑balance. The Mustangs have the chance to finish third in the standings with a win and could even leap into second if top teams Bonny Eagle or Thornton Academy stumble later in the season.
2. Oxford Hills Vikings (4‑0) vs. Bonny Eagle Scots (5‑0) – 7 p.m. at Oxford Hills
The Vikings have been on a tear, compiling a perfect 4‑0 record while averaging 34.8 points per game. Their balanced attack features dual‑threat quarterback Toby Oufiero and leading rusher Keegan Ridley, both of whom have been central to the team’s offensive identity. Defensively, Oxford Hills has allowed just 27 points in four games, making them a formidable opponent for any team that faces them.
Bonny Eagle, sitting at 5‑0 and ranked higher in the Varsity Maine poll, has dominated the first three weeks of the season. The Scots have beaten South Portland, Noble, and Massabesic, posting an average of 34.6 points with a victory margin of nearly 23 points. Their offense is built around dynamic quarterback Lucas Klehn, with running backs Ben Noe and Ben Havu improving each week, and receiver Drew Gervais serving as a big‑play threat.
This clash will test whether Oxford Hills’ unbeaten streak can withstand a team that has already proven its ability to run up the scoreboard. A win would give the Vikings a strong position in the playoffs, while a loss would keep Bonny Eagle at the top of the division.
3. Cape Elizabeth Capers (4‑1) at Spruce Mountain Phoenix (3‑2) – 7 p.m. at Cape Elizabeth
Cape Elizabeth, now coached by first‑year Issiah Bachelder, has made a remarkable turnaround from a 1‑7 record last year. The Capers are averaging a more respectable 51.25 points per game and have been working hard to limit the high number of points they gave up in the previous season. Their upcoming game against Spruce Mountain will decide who ends up No. 2 behind Yarmouth in the large‑school South standings and who gets to host the first playoff game in the region.
Spruce Mountain, the defending large‑school South champion, has already won four of their six games. Their defensive prowess has kept opposing teams from scoring, and they are expected to continue that trend against a Capers team that has struggled defensively in the past.
The matchup between the Capers and the Phoenix will not only determine the final playoff seeding but also test Cape Elizabeth’s ability to hold their own against a championship‑winning defense. A win would solidify their status as a playoff contender and set the stage for a home playoff game.
Playoff Stakes
The three games carry significant playoff implications. A Massabesic win could position them in the top three of the Class A South Crabtree standings and potentially push them into the second spot if Bonny Eagle or Thornton Academy falter. Oxford Hills faces a test against the undefeated Bonny Eagle, whose offense is firing on all cylinders. Cape Elizabeth’s victory over Spruce Mountain would secure the No. 2 seed in the large‑school South and give them a home playoff advantage.
With the season’s most critical games on Friday night, fans in the state will be watching for a mix of high‑scoring offenses, disciplined defenses, and pivotal moments that could define the rest of the high‑school football season.
