The Easton boys begin defense of their Class D North basketball title Friday when they make the trip to Ashland to take on the Hornets at 7 p.m. The game is part of a doubleheader as the girls’ teams from the two schools tip off at 5:30 p.m.
A huge Class B showdown is on tap at Presque Isle High School Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. as the Wildcat girls open against the Hermon Hawks, the team that eliminated them from the tournament in the semifinal round last February.
The PI boys, coming off a successful 3-0 preseason after winning just three regular season games all of last year, face a huge test at 4:30 p.m. against coach Mark Reed’s Hawks.
Tyler Putnam and Mike Hartford make their Washburn coaching debuts Friday when the Beavers travel to play Van Buren. The girls’ game tips off at 5:30 p.m., with the boys’ game to follow at 7 p.m.
The Central Aroostook boys also face a rematch of a tournament loss when they meet up against Southern Aroostook in Dyer Brook Friday evening at 7 p.m. The Panther girls, who were last year’s Class D North runners-up, have to wait until Monday before playing their first game of the season at Madawaska. The start time is 5:30 p.m., with the Owl and Panther boys taking to the court at 7 p.m.
At Fort Fairfield Friday at 6:30 p.m., 19th-year coach Larry Gardner’s Tigers will square off against one of the favorites in Class D, the Southern Aroostook Warriors. The FF boys play their opening game Monday at home against Easton at 7 p.m.
The Presque Isle hockey team kicks off its regular season by hosting Camden Hills at 7 p.m. Friday at the Forum. The Wildcats’ first road contest is set for Tuesday at Houlton/Hodgdon beginning at 6 p.m.
The Carlisle swim team is on the road against Washington Academy Saturday, while the Nordic ski season gets underway Monday with a meet at Fort Kent, which will include local squads from Ashland, Fort Fairfield and Presque Isle.
