VARSITY FOOTBALL
Friday, September 6, at Kennebunk, 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 14, Greely, 1:30 p.m.
Friday, September 20, at Mt. Ararat, 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 28, Morse, 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 5, Oceanside, 1:30 p.m.
Friday, October 11, at Falmouth, 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 19, York, 1:30 p.m.
Friday, October 25, at Gorham, 7 p.m.
VARSITY BOYS' SOCCER
Friday, September 6, Greely, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, September 10, at Poland, 4 p.m.
Friday, September 13, Traip Academy, 4 p.m.
Monday, September 16, Waynflete, 5:30 p.m.
Friday, September 20, Freeport, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, September 24, at Kennebunk, 6 p.m.
Saturday, September 28, Gray-NG, 1 p.m.
Monday, September 30, at Wells, 4 p.m.
Friday, October 4, North Yarmouth, 4 p.m.
Friday, October 11, Sacopee Valley, 3:30 p.m.
Monday, October 14, Cape Elizabeth, 3 p.m.
Wednesday, October 16, at Lake Region, 5 p.m.
Friday, October 18, at York, 6 p.m.
Monday, October 21, at Traip Academy, 3:30 p.m.
VARSITY GIRLS' SOCCER
Saturday, September 7, at Greely, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, September 10, Old Orchard Beach, 4 p.m.
Monday, September 16, Waynflete, 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 21, at Freeport, TBA
Tuesday, September 24, Kennebunk, 4 p.m.
Wednesday, September 25, at North Yarmouth, 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 28, at Gray-NG, 3 p.m.
Monday, September 30, Wells, 4 p.m.
Wednesday, October 2, Poland, 4 p.m.
Friday, October 11, at Sacopee Valley, 6 p.m.
Monday, October 14, at Cape Elizabeth, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, October 16, at Lake Region, 7 p.m.
Friday, October 18, York, 3:30 p.m.
Monday, October 21, Lake Region, 3:30 p.m.
VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY
Thursday, September 5, Falmouth, 7 p.m.
Monday, September 9, Gray-NG, 4 p.m.
Wednesday, September 11, Freeport, 4 p.m.
Friday, September 13, at Cape Elizabeth, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 17, Lake Region, 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 19, at Poland, 6:30 p.m.
Monday, September 23, at York, 4 p.m.
Wednesday, September 25, Sacopee Valley, 4 p.m.
Saturday, September 28, at Gray-NG, 1 p.m.
Tuesday, October 1, Falmouth, 4 p.m.
Thursday, October 3, at Lake Region, 4 p.m.
Monday, October 7, Cape Elizabeth, 4 p.m.
Friday, October 11, at Kennebunk, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, October 15, Greely, 4 p.m.
VARSITY GOLF
Wednesday, September 4, at Poland, 3:15 p.m.
Thursday, September 5, Gray-NG, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, September 10, Lake Region, 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 11, Poland, 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 12, at Gray-NG, 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 17, at Lake Region, 3:30 p.m.
Monday, September 23, York, 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 24, Cape Elizabeth, 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 25, Yarmouth, 4 p.m.
Monday, September 30, WMC Girls' Qualifier, noon
Monday, October 7, WMC Boys' Qualifier, 10 a.m.
VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY
Friday, September 6, at York (Gray), 4:30 p.m.
Friday, September 13, Falmouth, Kennebunk, 4:30 p.m.
Friday, September 20, at North Yarmouth (Cape, Waynflete), 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 28, at Manchester Relays
Friday, October 4, at Freeport (Wells), 4:30 p.m.
Friday, October 11, at Poland (Lake Region, Sacopee Valley), 4 p.m.
Friday, October 18, Conference Championships
Saturday, October 26, Regionals, Twin Brooks
Saturday, November 2, State Meet

VARSITY GIRLS SOCCER

Head Coach: John Atwood, 29 years coaching, 22 with girls’ varsity

JV Coach: Harrison Kanzler

Top Returnees: Seniors Sydney Charles, Sara Welch, Anna Williams, Bailey Friedman, Thea Hart, defenders Izzy Hodgman-Burns, Savanah Kruger; Sophomores Julia Quinn, Sage Boivin, Esmeralda Hernandez, Orie Ingo, Anna Mahanor, Lexi L’Heureux-Carland, McKenna Gerchman,  Emery O’Connell.

Top newcomers: Freshmen Caylin Delaney, Mckenzie Buzzell, Allie Fraze.

Strengths: Sstrong work ethic, high energy, fast learners.

Concerns: Lack of experience playing together and learning new positions.

During preseason, what has impressed you? Great gains have been made in preseason, the team is ahead of last year

To be successful this season, we must ... We need to play strong defense in a very competitive conference.

Our team expectation is .... Our expectation is to get better each week and consistently improve.

I would consider this season a success if .... If we are playing our best soccer the last two weeks of the season it will be a successful season

VARSITY CHEERLEADING

Head Coach: Jillian Tetreault, fourth year

Top returnees: Emily Ouellette, senior; Danielle Graham, junior; Hannah Perry, sophomore; Alexa Maddocks, senior; Allison Fahey, sophomore; Kaylee Barboza, sophomore.

Top newcomers: Kyla Towne, freshman; Shelby Day, freshman, Skye Collins, freshman; Jessica L’Hommedieu, sophomore.

On the roster: Andrea Engen, senior; Kadesha Bryan, senior; Esther Ortiz, senior.

Strengths: “We have a very young team this year and that will play to our benefit in the coming years as well. Everyone is excited about our upcoming season learning new stunts, dances and routines. Because our team is young, we also are working from the beginning, getting everyone to work together and be in unison,” Coach Tetreault said. “During our preseason practices, the girls have been very good about pushing themselves and working hard to learn all the cheers and focus on their stunt groups. Our team expectation is to learn as much as we can, continue working in the weight room, and pushing ourselves to prepare for our winter season.”

VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY

Head Coach: Dede Frost, 27 years in the program, 18 years as varsity coach

Assistant Coach: Mary Roseen

Top Returnees: Seniors, Makayla Frost (midfielder, all conference), Skye Dole (forward), Kylie Locke (forward), Dimitra Katsigiannis (defense).

Top newcomers: Juniors Jasmine Ramsay (goalie), Allison Watson (forward), Shelby Hesseien (defense).

On the roster: Emily Davidson, senior, forward; Mackenzie Hill, junior, forward; Madison Davis, senior, defense; Mariah Davis, sophomore, forward.

Strengths: Eight seniors (four senior captains) who bring leadership and experience to the playing field; a large group of underclassmen eager to learn and help the team in the rebuilding process; the ability to be flexible and versatile as we reconstruct our line-up.

Concerns:  The Raiders have only four returning starters back on the field this year after a large class of graduates; creating a system that best suits this year’s group of athletes; juggling many players around until coaches can find the right fit.

During preseason, what has impressed you? “I have been impressed by the dedication shown by the girls – both returning players and newcomers. The captains have provided leadership and set good examples for those returning and those coming out for the first time,” Coach Frost said. “They have been patient and willing to try new positions as we fill the gaps left behind from last season.”

To be successful this season, we must ... “To be successful this season we will need to find a system that will cater to the strengths of our new team. Rebuilding is always a challenge, but our success will be based on how fast we can do it!” Coach Frost said.

Our team expectation is .... Our team expectation is to provide an environment in which athletes feel safe, supported and united as they work together each day toward a common goal.

I would consider this season a success if .... I would consider this season a success if at the end of each day, week and especially at the end of the season, I could look back and recognize improvement in my team – both as individuals and as a unit. I would consider this season a success when our team demonstrates what it means to be a good sport and teammate, and to play field hockey for the love of the game! — Coach Frost.

VARSITY GOLF

Head Coach: Chris Dutton

Top returnees: “Big” Van Nyugen, All Conference, junior; Liz Dyer, All Conference, Senior; Mike Davis, junior

Top newcomers: Tyler Worcester, freshman; Keegan Jones, freshman

Outlook: “This preseason has been interesting and will be very interesting when we piece together the whole team come midseason,” Coach Dutton reported.

Van Nyugen from Vietnam hasn’t been with the team yet and will miss the first couple of matches until she settles in and gets some practice time in. She has qualified for the Individual Girls’ state tourney her first two years with two Top 15 finishes, and expect her to contend again this year. She will also anchor a Top 2 or 3 spot on the team, as well in team play. Hung Dau from China has also returned this year, but will join the team after he to gets in some practice time. He came on at the end of last year and expect him to contribute this year.

“Adding those two to the line-up will make us stronger and deeper. I have been happy with the preseason so far with the players we have had,” Coach Dutton said.

Tyler Worcester has shown off his skills and talent immediately. He has been in the high 30s and low 40s every day.

“As a freshman, he has a variety of shot-making skills and talent, just trying to educate him from the mental side of the game and golf course management and working with his mindset and emotions,” Coach Dutton said. “He will be a bright spot for years to come for the program. I would like to see him contend for a spot in the States this year, even as a freshman. He will be our Number 1 player.”

Another freshman that has been ann early and pleasant surprise is Keegan Jones.

“He has been a golfer who seems to love to be on the course, like a gym rat, and wants to absorb and learn the game,” Coach Dutton said. “He has shown good progress and will see some time in the line-up. It will be interesting to see how the freshmen handle being thrown right into matches and whether they can control their nerves.”

Liz Dyer, a two-time state individual participant, will be right in the mix of the line-up. She has taken her game to a new level in some steps and continues to get better and better.

“She has gotten longer off the tee this year, which gives her more confidence,” Coach Dutton reported. “She has also turn the corner of shaking the nerves and wants to complete.”

Mike Davis and Van have the most match time experience for the team so he will be leaned on quite a bit to shoulder the load. Davis continues to keep peaking and improving on his game as his scores continue to slowly go down. Sophomore Jake Maidment and freshman Damian Eldridge should also see action for the raiders.

“When we get Van and Hung thrown into our regular lineup — which consists of six players — we will be pretty deep and very competitive,” Coach Dutton added. “However, with the lack of experience in matches, it will be hard to predict wins and losses. Our schedule has gotten little tougher than in past years adding Cape Elizabeth and Yarmouth with York, but I like that for our team. It shows them the talent and good golf that’s out there and it can’t but help us get better and motivate us to step up our golf game. Come the Individual States tourney, I except Tyler to compete highly for one of the few and coveted spots, but he has the talent to complete for it.”

VARSITY BOYS’ SOCCER

Head Coach: Bob Hodgman-Burns, seventh year

JV Coach: Tim Atwood

Top returnees: Captains Gabe Perry, Ben Davis, Dacota Griffin, Forrest Stearns, Austin Gerchman and Jared Schrader.

Players to watch: Perry and Davis.  Perry is a striker; Davis is a midfielder.

Outlook: The Raiders will be trying to make the Class B tournament for the sixth straight year, but will face a tough schedule, as always, in the WMC.  Blaine Andreoli will handle the goaltending duties.

Strengths: Defense, midfield play and senior leadership.

Concerns: Depth at this point and schedule strength.

During the preseason, what has impressed you: Team toughness and fitness.

To be successful: “We have to play tough defense and find scoring from multiple players, our expectation is to improve with every game,” Coach Hodgman-Burns said.

I would consider this season a success if… “The season will be a success if we continue to improve and play better soccer every game,” the coach said.

VARSITY FOOTBALL

Head Coach: David Turner, sixth year

Assistant/JV Coaches: David Jones, Jim Cummings, Dominik Torch, Stephen Barker, Preston Jones.

Top returnees: Seniors, Billy Rascoe (RB/LB), Sulo Burbank (OL/DL), David McLaughlin (OL/DL), Ryan Buzzell (RB/DB), Cody Loewe (RB/DB), Andrew Lyman (OL/DL), Greg Sargent (OL/DL).

Top newcomers: Ryan Gullickson (QB/DB), sophomore; Ben Southwick (RB/DB), junior; Brandon Ludwig (WR/DB), junior; Matt Boucher (RB/LB), sophomore; Jaquan Causer (E/DE), senior.

On the roster: Senior, Greg Harmon; Juniors, Joe Coffey-Slattery, Kyle Bennett, Nick Armstrong, Kyle Provencher, Angel Escalante, Willy MacFawn, Donovan Brown; Sophomores, Jeffrey Sargent, Nicholas L’Heureux-Carland, Bahadir Demir; Freshmen, Isaac Wakefield, Tyler Hall, Lucas Rogers, Kevin Vertura.

Strengths: “Hopefully our lines will be our strength. Several players return with playing experience,” Coach Turner said. “Our team works hard and has an extremely positive attitude, hopefully strengths as the season progresses.”

Concerns: Team depth and overall numbers. “We had two consecutive small classes from youth on up,” Coach Turner said. “We must avoid injuries, which is difficult to do.:

During preseason, what has impressed you? (Coach Turner) I was impressed with how hard our kids worked, their enthusiasm, and their commitment to each other (the team).

To be successful this season, we must … Improve and stay healthy.

Our team expectation is ....to play to our best and improve each week.

I would consider this season a success if .... we do the above.

ANNA LASTRA placed fifth for the Raider girls at last Saturday's Lake Region Invitational. (Rivet Photo)

VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY

Head Coach: Bill Reilly, 24th season

Assistant Coach: Dylan Alden

Girls: Seniors Chelsea Abraham, Amber Dindorf, Danae Dostie, Rebekah Dostie, Juliet Fink; Juniors Kristen Dostie, Liz Grzyb; Sophomore Abby Davis, Ariel Fogden, Anna Lastra.

Boys: Seniors Eric Hannes, Nicholis Kiesman, Liam Leconey, Jesse Liljedahl, Tyler O’Keefe, Njemile Phillips, David Powers, Sullivan Briggs; Juniors Jonathan Burke, TJ Rose, Lucas Spencer, Liuke Yang; Sophomore Patrick Carty; Freshmen, Christian Bedell, Ethan Swayze, Connor Moody.

Boys’ outlook: The goal of the team is to qualify for the State Meet Championship, which the Raiders have done for the last six years. This year’s team should be a stronger scoring team despite the loss of Silas Eastman. Most team members ran 45 miles the first week of preseason and 50 miles the second week. The emphasis will be on aerobic strength this year.

The pack, with co-captain Eric Hannes, Jonathan Burk, T.J. Rose and Liuke  Yang has gotten much better for a lower team score and sophomore, Patrick Carty has exploded to take front runner status. Co-captain Tyler O’Keefe, Liam Le Coney and freshman, Christian Bedell should provide good support as the 6 and 7 insurance runners. With numbers up, David Powers, Jesse Liljedahl, Njemile Philips, Lucas Spencer, Nicholis Kiesman, Ethan Swayze and Connor Moody all can be an asset to the team.

Girls’ outlook: Co-captain Elizabeth Grzyb has been sidelined, but she has been riding her bike with the team and it is hoped that she will be available for the championship portion of the season. Most team members ran 30 miles the first week of pre-season and 35 miles the second week. Aerobic fitness will be the goal this season.

Co-Captain, Juliet Fink, along with Abby Davis and Ariel Fogden look strong. Newcomer, sophomore, Anna Lastra  has also jetted to front runner status. Amber Dinsdorf, Kristen Dostie, Danae Dostie, Rebekah Dostie and Chelsea Abraham are all new and will really help the team depth, which has been lacking for a few years.

“The team really has a shot at qualifying for the State Meet Championship and will only improve as more girls find cross country a fun sport,” Coach Reilly said.