Meet the 5 southern Maine golf teams to watch in 2026

Maine high‑school golf sets the stage for a competitive fall

As the leaves turn and the first chill of October begins to set in, high‑school golf in Maine is getting ready for a new season of contests that promise plenty of drama. The state’s top teams are already shaping up around returning talent and promising newcomers. With the Class A championship on the horizon and Class B teams eyeing conference titles, the upcoming fall season is poised to deliver some memorable swings and putt‑perfection.

Falmouth Navigators – Class A power‑house

The Navigators have long been a staple at the beginning of any conversation about the best teams in Maine. Their roster remains deep and highly skilled. The standout of the group is Dante Iannetta, who tied for second at the state meet in 2025 and is widely regarded as one of the state’s best players. Alongside him are Alex Novick, Joe Graceffa, Anthony Graceffa, and Griffin Jacobson, all of whom have posted strong scores in recent competitions.

Adding new blood, the team has welcomed Sawyer Hebert, a transfer who finished second in Class C last year and led New York Academy to its team title. The combination of seasoned talent and fresh momentum suggests that Falmouth remains a serious threat for the state championship, though the exact path remains uncertain.

Cheverus Stags – Class A champions returning

Cheverus is the defending Class A champion, a title they clinched last season with an impressive group of players. Though three of their top six players – including individual champion Mick Madden – have moved on, the squad is still packed with depth and determination.

Sam Sirois, the sophomore who tied for second at last year’s state meet, has now taken over the top spot on the roster. Keane McGrath, the No. 4 seed last year, is poised for a breakout season after shooting two under and tying for third at the Maine Junior Championship. The team also includes Joe Stratman, Garrett Thees, Mike Ray, and Will McEwen, as well as freshmen Logan Tinker and Maxwell Belanger. Although the group is younger than last year’s championship lineup, they possess the talent to keep their title on the line.

Yarmouth Clippers – Class B contenders

The Clippers finished tied for fourth in Class B last year and have returned a core of their top players. They used the summer to compete in various events, sharpening their skills ahead of the season. Henry Shub (junior) finished 11th at the state meet last year and tied for 34th at this summer’s Maine Junior Championship. Declan Hickey (senior) tied for fifth in the WMC qualifier and was 26th at the junior championship. Other returning seniors include Jackson Nalli, Gabe Janczuk, and Lucas D’Alessandro.

Yarmouth also won the WMC title last season, bringing a championship pedigree to the squad. With a roster that blends experience and recent competitive play, the Clippers are positioned to make a strong push in both the conference and state championships.

Freeport Falcons – Class B stronghold

The Falcons, a long‑time rival of Yarmouth, have been positioned as a serious contender in the Class B picture. They were only four shots behind Yarmouth in the conference qualifier and five shots behind the state champion Nokomis at the last state meet. Their lineup includes senior Ryan Savona, who finished third in Class B with a 78, and junior Ryan Nahill (tied for eighth at 83). Additional veterans Carter Costello, Charlie MacDonald, and Will Obrin also returned after competing at the state championship.

With a group led by two senior hitters, the Falcons are expected to stay competitive throughout the season and could very well emerge as the conference’s best team.

Fryeburg Academy Raiders – Class B hopefuls

The Raiders experienced a tough run at last year’s Class B tournament, finishing tied for 10th. However, their runner‑up finish in the WMC qualifier – only two shots shy of the top spot – showed a promising trajectory. Most of the top players from last year’s team are back, including junior Kyle Infinger (tied for second at the qualifier with a 77) and junior Will McIntyre (the team’s most consistent scorer in the qualifier and a team‑best 85 at states). Seniors Cameron Chappell, Cody Davis, and Marcos Pradilo were also part of last year’s top six.

The Raiders are aiming for a top‑five finish this year, and with strong course management and some favorable breaks, they could climb even higher in the standings.

The broader picture

Across the state, the upcoming fall season is expected to bring a mix of veteran experience and fresh talent. While Falmouth and Cheverus lead the conversation in Class A, Yarmouth, Freeport, and Fryeburg are shaping up to challenge for the Class B crown. The convergence of seasoned players with a record of strong performances and the influx of high‑performing freshmen and transfers creates an exciting environment for spectators and rivalries alike.

Maine’s high‑school golf community looks forward to a season where strategy, precision, and a bit of luck will decide the champions. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the sport, the fall’s competitive landscape promises to deliver memorable moments on the greens across the state.