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It’s only been two weeks, yes, but some teams have forced the rest of the state to take notice. They’ve certainly caught the attention of Varsity Maine football poll voters.

No. 4 Lawrence entered the season with a new coach with the unenviable job of replacing a legend. The Bulldogs have gotten off to such a dominant start they are the early favorite to win Class B North.

Massabesic followed a close win over Bangor with a 26-0 shutout of Kennebunk, which was ranked third in last week’s poll. The Mustangs have jumped from outside the rankings to sixth. Oxford Hills, ranked eighth, has mostly dominated its first two foes, Windham and Deering. The Week 1 win over Windham received added luster after the Eagles bounced back with a decisive win over Sanford last week.

Old Town joined the the eight-man football ranks this fall, and has opened by outscoring traditional contenders and recent state champions Orono and Mount Desert Island 98-18. Cape Elizabeth, coming off a one-win season, is already 2-0 and has put up 108 points. The Coyotes are third in this week’s eight-man poll, while the Capers are fifth.

Will these starts hold up? Some will, other inevitably won’t. But we can’t say they haven’t gotten our attention.

The Varsity Maine football polls are based on Week 2 games played between Sept. 10-12, 2026. The top 10 11-man and top 5 eight-man teams are voted on by the Varsity Maine staff, with first-place votes in parentheses, followed by total points.

1. Thornton Academy (9) 90
2. Bonny Eagle 72
3. Portland 59
4. Lawrence 54
5. Marshwood 41
6. Massabesic 38
7. Leavitt 33
8. Oxford Hills 29
9. Cony 24
10. Westbrook 13

Others receiving votes: Noble 9, Kennebunk 7, South Portland 7, Greely 5, Cheverus 4, Edward Little 4, Hermon 3, Biddeford 2, Freeport 1.

1. Yarmouth (8) 89
2. Old Orchard Beach (1) 71
3. Old Town 54
4. Stearns/Schenck 49
5. Cape Elizabeth 43

Others receiving votes: Ellsworth 27, Spruce Mountain 14, Maranacook 13.