There’s no runaway favorite in the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference this season. A number of teams, including defending regional champion Brewer, traditional power Bangor, and Cony and Skowhegan could contend for the Eastern Class A crown.

A Cony team many thought to be a year away arrived last season. The Rams finished 14-5 overall and won the KVAC Class A championship.

The Rams are still young — they only have two seniors — but are poised to take their season a step or two further than their semifinal playoff loss a year ago. They return their top four pitchers, including KVAC first team all-star Ryan Minoty, who went 7-1, as well as most of their lineup.

“I think we have the ability to at least compete for an Eastern Maine championship,” Cony coach Ray Vallee said.

In addition to Minoty, the Rams return first team all-stars in Jake Lachance and Charlie Partridge and a second-team pitcher in Jake Beland. There’s power and speed in the batting order, as well as a strong defense led by catcher Jason Burns and center fielder Luke Duncklee.

Skowhegan graduated three four-year starters up the middle at catcher, second base and center field. The Indians are helped by the return of pitcher Cody Vigue, and all-conference selection after going 4-2 with a 2.88 earned run average last season.

“I threw (Vigue) against all the tough teams,” Skowhegan coach Rick York said. “He’s come a million miles. He’s a true leader.”

Vigue will also play shortstop and hit .366 last season. First baseman John Little is a power source who hit .423 with 17 RBIs last season, while Marcus Morin hit well and played right field. Cody Williamson and Mike Soucier also return and will pitch.

Messalonskee graduated a number of talented players. Matt Stuart, a senior pitcher/third baseman, will move to the top of the rotation.

“He was under the radar last year, both pitching and hitting,” Messalonskee coach Ray Bernier said.

Outfielder Joe Dumont and catcher Brandon Hall are other top returning players for the Eagles. Messalonskee will have a new double play combination with junior shortstop Dylan Foster and freshman second baseman Sam Dexter.

Lawrence coach Wally Covell feels his team has the pitching to improve on last season’s six wins. Sophomores Shawn Russell and Blair Blaisdell, as well as junior Chris DeRaps, all have good velocity and movement and plenty of upside, Covell said.

“Our pitching is encouraging. I think it will be better than a year ago,” Covell said.

The speedy Brock Lawrence is back at third base and will likely hit third in the lineup. Ben Violette returns to second. Blaisdell will play short when not pitching. Sophomore Dakota Marshall takes over in center field for the Bulldogs, while Matt Woodbury, another sophomore, moves behind the plate.

Mt. Blue struggled last season, going 3-13, but the return of two starting pitchers, righty Brad Dority and lefty Tim Smith, gives coach Craig Collins hope.

“They’re not overpowering, but they can bring it,” Collins said.

Dority led the Cougars with a .304 batting average last season. Mt. Blue will be tested early. Its first four games are against Hampden, Brewer, Bangor and Skowhegan, all considered contenders.

“We’ll find out early what we’re made of,” Collins said.

Jared Foster is in his second year of rebuilding the Nokomis program. In junior pitcher Derek Amoroso, Foster has a strong building block.

Nokomis has four freshmen on the varsity roster, and each could contribute, Foster said.

“All four freshmen might be starting,” Foster said. “Every kid is fighting for spots.”