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Open Letter to Football Fans from Carl Johnson, Voice of the Eagles on HCTV

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GIRLS SOCCER

Review of 2008 Girls Soccer Season

The Girls finished the season at 11-4-1. Not bad for a team that graduated 13 seniors the year before. According to Coach Chard, having 13 seniors can be problematic. So can having only 4. The Eagles were young. Very young. But they still had an outstanding season. Coach Chard substituted liberally this year and he also rotated his players through positions trying to find just the right combination. His athletes were skilled and versatile enough to handle this approach easily and I believe they all benefited from it.

Co-captains Logan Prescott and Emily Zurcher provided the necessary hand-holding to show the many newcomers how to play on the big stage. Logan Prescott is an extraordinarily gifted athlete who has size, speed, strength, and the soccer skills that granted her coach the opportunity to play her where ever she is needed. After a successful season playing up front last year, where Coach Chard credited her with creating the "necessary mayhem", Logan returned to the quarterbacking a very young defense. And she did it successfully and without complaint. Emily Zurcher was a very pleasant surprise this year. After playing relatively very few minutes last season, she stepped up to the forefront and was a leading offensive force this year. Emily played with great anticipation and had just the right amount of "edginess" in her play. Keeper Lauren Vachon recorded eight shutouts, keeping the Eagles in several games as she watched the young defensive team improve as the season progressed. And Abby Levesque contributed valuable minutes without any drop in the level of play whenever tired legs needed rest.

A strong contingent of juniors is returning next year. Hannah Fenwick, Gabby Bryant, Brie Martin are all proven goal scorers and were important cogs in the team. Kristina Johnson and Whitney Dano provided admirable relief in the defensive backfield when called upon. Sophmore Colby Gail, another truly gifted athlete, can play anywhere on the field. This year she played primarily at midfield. Colby combined with Randi London (no slouch herself in the athletic giftedness department) whose field vision and quick feet, not to mention toughness, to give the Eagles a solid transition game. Upfront, Jaymee Wallace continued to perform her magic. She is just fun to watch although you sometimes have to pick your jaw up from the ground after witnessing some of her moves. Mariah Cropley and Jessica Leeman both logged impressive minutes up front and Miranda Riendeau-Card used her strength to effectively fill in at midfield.

There were four freshman on the team and they all made major contributions. Anna Rohman and Sara Berry played critical roles defensively and Haley Michaud, perhaps the fastest girl on the team, displayed a variety of offensive skills throughout the season. Carrie Smith registered her first goal and played effectively while spelling the starters.

Now for My Awards

Loudest Vocal Chords Award How can such a small girl pack such a powerful punch? And the content is right on point. Award goes to Whitney Dano
Most Versatile Award This is a tough choice because so many of the girls rotated through positions, but my vote goes to Hannah Fenwick - She can play defense, she can play offense, she can play goalie. And she plays them all at the highest level.
What I'd like to see Award This is not really an award but, at the risk of upsetting all laws of physics and the disturbing the universe as we know it, I'd like to see Hannah Fenwick (the shooter) take a penalty kick against Hannah Fenwick (the Keeper). I'm guessing Hannah the shooter is going low to the left and I'm guessing Hannah the keeper is guessing low to the left.
Magic Feet Award Jaymee Wallace can do amazing things with a soccer ball whether it is on the ground on in the air with her feet. She can use her head also.
Twinkletoes Award Randi London has the quickest feet and the agility and field sense to be able to hold the ball till the last possible moment before executing the appropriate pass to the appropriate player.
Shields Up! Award Defensive opponents are very familiar with Gabby Bryant's backside because she just knows how to protect the ball so no one can touch it without either kicking it out of bounds, fouling her, or turning around to watch her as she beats them.
Least Concern for Her Physical Well Being Award Sara Berry displayed a flagrant disregard for her physical well being by constantly playing with reckless abandon and out muscling opponents twice (maybe three times) her size.
Best Header - Season It must have sunk in when her parents and teachers (and perhaps a coach or two) told Brie Martin to use her head because she was the best headerer (did I jusy coin a new word) on the team.
Barbarians at the Gate Award Lauren Vachon who kept Dragons, Knights, Shipbuilders, Blue Devils, Rams, Eddies (time for the "Whats an Eddie" cheer, and even certain species of Eagles (Messalonskee) at bay.
Yo-Yo Award This award is granted to the player (Gabby Bryant) who seems to have a string attached to the ball so that it always follows them. Of course, we know it is really due to hard work.
The Alexander Haig - I'm in Control Award Logan Prescott who actually was in control. If you don't believe me, just ask her.
Pick Pocket Award How many times did Colby Gail act on her anticipation of the opponents next move without letting them see what she was up to. And then stealing the ball before they even realized she was there. Countless.
Best Teammates Ever Award Kristina Johnson and Whitney Dano. Willing to do anything you want and always have fun while they are doing it.
Mastercard Award Leaving the Best for last because we're sure you are used to it. Watching Emily Zurcher head a ball goal ward, shoot a laser from out side, retaliate to an elbow, or establish control of the center of the field in front of the goal. Priceless!
BOYS SOCCER

Review of 2008 Boys Soccer Season

The Eagles finished at 12-4. As Coach Renaud said "Most teams would be thrilled with that record." Nevertheless, we've come to expect more of the Eagles and this year they looked like they had the talent to challenge for a championship. Unfortunately for the Eagles this season, injuries took their toll. Injuries are a part of sports that you just have to accept. You hope your team doesn't suffer any major injuries and, if they do, you hope that they do not occur towards the end of the season and in the playoffs. Both Tim Bickford and Cam Vermette suffered season ending injuries late in the season. Nevertheless the Eagles reached the semi-finals before succumbing to eventual Eastern Regional champs Bangor 2-0.

Of course their were many thrilling games throughout the year. The Eagles upset Brunswick in a closely contested match in double OT when Tyler Pelletier, through sheer force of will, blocked the goalie's clearing kick that caromed heaven sent into the Brunswick goal. This in a game that was scoreless for the first 79 minutes until the Eagles had taken the lead with less than a minute left only to have the Dragons fight back and tie the game with a goal with only 10 seconds left. That set up overtime and Tyler Pelletier's heroics in a game many of us will not soon forget.

This was fun team to watch. Scott Rogers' throw-ins set up scoring chances almost every time he had an opportunity. Ethan Thibeault had an uncanny ability to locate his corner kicks onto the foot or head of one of his teammates. Tim Bickford's and Anthony Farrell's speed and sheer athleticism gave the Eagles a constant scoring threat. Cam Vermette's aggressively used his size at both ends of the field to establish himself as a force both offensively and defensively. How many players can say that? The defense was solid under the direction of Brian Sherwood with Nate Rohman patrolling the box. Matt Bickford was miserly in the goal and made several acrobatic saves. Josh Dennison fancy footed his way through several defenders and Christian Swanholm helped himself to a couple of goals.

And now for my awards:

Star Trek Transporter Award Cam Vermette - You never actually saw him run, but there he was, always perfectly positioned either deep in the defensive end or deep in the offensive end. And at 6'5' he not easy to miss. How did he do that? And of course, he made the plays.
Defending the Family Jewels Award Who else, but Matt Bickford
Steady at the Tiller Award He's calm. He's cool. He doesn't get ratlled. And he always makes the smart play - Brian Sherwood
Stolen Identity Award For reasons I can't explain, I constantly referred to Tyler Pelletier as Tyler Toothaker. I don't know if I should apologize more to Tyler Pelletier or to Tyler Toothaker. I also got a call from a Bangor booster wanting to know if Mt Ararat had any other roster additions besides that Tyler Toothaker guy who scored the winning goal against Waterville.
Strangest Goal Award Scott Rogers scored on his own throw-in when the ball deflected off a EL player into the goal.
Strangest Goal Called Back Award Against Brunswick, Cam Vermette heads in a Scott Rogers throw-in, but the goal is called back for an offside. Huh!
Watchout for Next Year Award Rolando Amador - We all recognize how good you are. We're waiting for you to realize how good you are.
Magic Feet Award Several times this season Josh Dennison wove his way through the opposition leaving a path of their discarded personel protection devices in his wake.
Most Entertaining Coach Rick Renaud. Also the loudest. Also successful.
Fastest Award To be determined. I'd pay money to see a 100 yd footrace between Anthony Farrell and Tim Bickford.
CROSS COUNTRY

Review of 2008 Cross Country Season

It's always a risky business making pre-season predictions about high school sports and Coach Fournier was typically tight-lipped with her outlook for the cross country season. She did admit that the Girls team would be decent and that the Boys team had a lot of question marks. At the end of the season, I would have to say the both teams exceeded Coach Fournier's expectations.

Sophmore Kate Spies typified the Girls team's results as she consistently improved her times over the course of the year while establishing herself as one of the top runners in the state. In fact, all the girls improved their times and several made dramatic improvements which is probably the most important criteria to apply when cosidering the success of the season. Senior Krislyn Hyatt, running cross country for the first time, may have been overshadowed by Spies, but she quietly turned in a outstanding season, forming a powerful 1-2 punch with Kate. Lissa Pelletier, Katrina Gelwick, and Erin Fitzsimmons were solid performers throughout the year.

Cross Country is a team sport even though the emphasis is on individual. The team sport aspect is why the depth of a team is so improtant. The Girls had the depth and they created a supportive and competitive atmosphere that contributed to the team's success. Co-captains Kelsey Frank and Kaylee Kowalcyzk (who was sick most of the season, but a great leader nevertheless) established the tone with their all-inclusive and encouraging approach. Kelsey Frank, Katrina Cornish, Sara Rogers, Lauren Valek, Morgan Martin, and Molly Estes all scored points during the season. Sara Ackerman and Margret Webber made monumental improvements over the course of the year and Heather Desjardins inspired all of us with her joy of running.

The Boys team certainly exceeded expectations and may have surpassed the Girls accomplishments. Captain Joe Miller, whose enthusiasm is palpable, provided inspiration to an underrated, but overachieving team. Tyler Toothaker submitted strong performances throughout the year as expected. But it was the rest of the team that contributed so much to the success of the season. Alex Wytas, Dan Van Note, Alex Spies, Nick Demosthenes, Jake Letourneau, Collin Swan, and Andy Reifman-Packett all scored points and consistently ran together as a team frequently bunched within a minute or less of each other (and usually all under the 20 minute barrier).

And now for my awards:

Hardwork Pays Off Award Lissa Pelletier and Dan Van Note - Anyone who follows this site knows how impressed I am with Lissa Pelletier's work ethic and this year her diligence really showed in her results. Dan Van Note has all the attributes of a leadership role. He's sincerely supportive of all, he's humble, and he's FUN to be around, all while he is working his tail off.
Biggest Improvement Award Dakota Brown - More than eight minutes. Wow! Molly Estes and Sara Ackerman - more than 6 minutes each and Morgan Martin knocked off more than 5:30.
Best Costume Award - Halloween Fun Run Andy Reifman-Packett and Katrina Gelwick - Andy established the answer to the missing link question that has troubled anthropologists for eons. What? Katrina wasn't wearing a costume! That's the way she really dresses. BTW, that's Alex Wytas's sister Lily that Katrina is running with who also ALWAYS wears a skirt when running. Honorable Mention - Coach Fournier and Tyler Toothaker
Best Freshman Award Andy Reifman-Packett, not only on the team, but at the KVAC Championship.
Overcoming Adversity Award Andy Reifman-Packett
Least Camera Shy Alex Wytas and Sara Ackerman
Watch Out for Next Year Jake Letourneau and Morgan Martin
Best Pizza Dough Thrower Alex Wytas - Don't try this at home. Note: Professional model filling in for Alex, who can be seen in person tossing dough at Joshua's in Brunswick.
FOOTBALL

Review of 2008 Football Season

The Eagles finished 2-6 in a very competitive Pine Tree conference where there suddenly are no more 'gimme' games. This was Coach Mark Lafountain's second year at the helm and he has to be somewhat disappointed after the team qualified for the play-offs last year. But last year's team had an unusually talented array of players both in the glory positions and in the trenches.

The season started off with a thrilling come from behind victory over a much improved Cony. A trip to Skowhegan brought the Eagles back down to earth, before a visiting Oxford Hills team succumbed to the Eagles. From then on, the Eagles had some good games and some (very) forgettable games. But the team was always exciting to watch and they played hard the entire season.

This year's team had its share of stars and moments of glory. No one could be disappointed in the performance of Junior QB Drew Marshall, who rushed for more than 647 yards, several of them of the hi-light reel variety. Along with Nick Dempsey, Will Brown, Corey Lewis, and Joe Haggerty, the Eagles proved they could move the ball. Defensively, the Eagles employed a bend but don't break philosphy. With Frank True and Will Brown leading the team in tackles from the linebacking position and Mike Rinaldi patrolling the defensive backfield, the Eagles showed they could play. Dustin Bessler was a treat to watch all year both on the defensive line and on special teams and Kyle Cyr had his share of bone crunching tackles. Mike Bastin excelled in the punting and kicking game and made three TD saving tackles to boot. John Frey excelled in the return game and added running and passing options to the offense. Ethan Menard was posed a serious deep threat for the Eagles. And Zach Chandler manhandled several opponents on defense and steamrolled several on offense.

The Eagles used a spread formation out of a no-huddle offense most of the season. This worked well early in the season as the Eagles had the element of surprise and were in superb condition. But when they faced the iron of the league they had been sufficiently scouted and the conditioning was less of a factor against teams that were deep in numbers. Nevertheless, the spread offense created opportunites for the Eagles athletes, especially, Drew Marshall to shine.

Next year looks promising as the Eagles program continues to develop. And now for my awards.

Black and Blue Award Drew Marshall - He took a pounding every game and proved he's one tough cookie
Most Bruises Inflicted Award Frank True - A football player's football player.
ESPN Highlite File Tackle Award Mike Rinaldi - One on one upending tackle inside the 5 vs Edward Little
The Bigger They Are, the Harder They Fall Award Dustin Bessler - What a tiger!
Person I Wish Played More Corey Lewis - It seemed everytime he touched the ball, good things happened
Grand Theft Auto Award Mike Rinaldi with 3 interceptions
Class Act Award Will Brown - Class personified
Favorite Player to Watch Dustin Bessler - You can almost hear the opposition giggle when they first see Dustin line up against them. That is until he nails the runner for a two yard loss.

Prescott and Vermette Named to All Eastern Regional Teams

Backs Logan Prescott and Cam Vermette were named to the Eastern Regional Soccer teams for Boys and Girls respectively. Selections are made based on the voting of the coaches. There are many similarities between Prescott and Vermette. Although they both primarily play a defensive position, they both contributed offensively.

Logan Prescott is a co-captain and the defensive quarterback for the Girls team. She directed and controlled a very young Eagle defense that recorded eight shutouts and allowed only 11 goals during an 11-4-1 seasaon that culminated in a 1-0 loss to Brunswick in the semi-finals. Last year Logan was an offensive force who 'created mayhem' in the offensive end of the field. Her willingness to switch to defense for the good of the team says all you need to know about Logan's character.

Cam Vermette is a co-captain and an omnipresent force on the soccer field. At 6'5', it hard to miss Cam heading the ball out of the defensive zone or forcing play offensively especially after Scott Roger's throw-ins. Cam's play in the upset victory over Brunswick was one of the most commanding performances I have witnessed in a soccer game. He ran the field relentlessy and seemingly was involved in every key play either deep in the defensive end or deep in the ofensive end. CROSS COUNTRY

Kate Spies Finishes 62nd at New England XC Championship

Kate Spies finished a very respectable 62nd at the New England Cross Country Championships held in Manchester New Hampshire. Her time of 19:57.4 was close to her personal best in a very crowded and talented field. She was the top finisher from the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference.

Sophmore Kate Spies qualified for the New England Championships by finishing 9th in the Maine State Championship held at Belfast. This year was Kate's first foray into competitive running (excluding her participation in her formative years in the Topsham Rec Department's X-Country program coached by yours truly he said modestly). She showed great promise early in the season and she improved throughout the season. Kate's modest demeanor belies the fierce competitor that lies within. She has consistently shown that when the competition gets tough, she gets tougher and her times reflect that.

FIELD HOCKEY

Review of 2008 Field Hockey Season

The Eagles posted a 3-10-1 record in Coach Kelly Lafountain's inaugural season as head coach. At first blush, the season record may seem to be, well, embarassing. But the Eagles actually took several steps forward to respectability and seem well positioned for a winning season next year. The wins came over Brewer, Mt Blue, and Lewiston with a tie against Oxford Hills. The victory over Mt Blue was the biggest win of the season for the Eagles as they actually dominated a team that came in sporting a winning record. This game hopefully gives the Eagles the confidence to know they can play and beat the better teams and will serve as a spring board to turn many of the one goal losses into victories next year.

First, the senior contingent who provided the leadership throughout the season deserves recognition. Senior Co-Captains Christina Erving and Devan Kelliher played a stellar defense throughout the year. Chelsea Riley and Holly Christopher provided the offensive fire power. Kelly Golek was always entertaining in the goal, and Morgan Wing and Alexandra Lafonde contributed steady, workmanlike performances.

Next year the Eagles should be solid up and down the field. Sophmore goalie Haley Poston gained valuable experience in the nets and possesses a magnetic, exuberant personality. The defense will be anchored by Heather Bolduc and Kerry Haggerty, two stalwarts on defense this year. Amber Bowley and Rebecca Merritt provide superb athleticism in the midfield and should also see some action at forward. Leading scorers Hayley Lapointe, Meghan Carr, and Audrey Peterutti are all returning. Mary Montalvo, Ally Raymond, and Ashley Charon had plenty of playing time this year and made valuable contributions. Look for Julie Palmer and Audrey Johnson to move up from JV and contribute.

And now for my awards:

Co-Rookies of the Year Award Sophmores Heather Bolduc and Amber Bowley - Seems like Heather's been playing forever. She quietly controls play in the defensive end. She could be next years's MVP. Amber Bowley is an athlete who can contribute everywhere. She is right out of the Haley Lapointe mold.
Fastest Player Award Rebecca Merritt. No one is catching Rebecca from behind (not on the team, not in the league, not in the state).
Hardest Shot Award Meghan Carr. Her shot makes the crowd in the nickel seats quiver, nevermind the effect it has on the opposing goalie.
No Attitude Adjustment Required Award Haley Lapointe possesses the rarest of attributes: One part a coach's dream; two parts suppportive teammate. She is a respectful, funloving girl who has also has tremendous athletic ability and fire in her belly.
The Bigger They Are, the Harder They Fall Award Are you kidding? Kelly Golek!
Happiest Player on the Field Kerry Haggerty - Always smiling! And laughing
Best Skypiece Morgan Wing and her bandana.
Best Smile and Team Clown Christina Erving
Best Singer Mary Montalvo - Apologies to Audrey Peterutti
Best Rendition of Star Spangled Banner Audrey Peterutti
Magic Feet Award Oops. I forgot. You can't use your feet. But we'll give to Mary Montalvo and Audrey Peterutti.
Leadership Award Hayley Lapointe and Amber Bowley
Person who I wished was used more on offense Christina Erving
Most Photogenic 7-way tie - Click here to view.

5 Rule Changes to Improve Field Hockey

Preface

I am a casual fan at best. Usually I can figure out the rules of a sport simply by observation. Occassionally, I need to ask a question for clarification. Not so in Field Hockey, where despite recent rule changes, the whistle seems to blow every 30 seconds or, more irritatingly, whenever something exciting is about to happen. Most parents I talk with feel similarly, and you can see lots of puzzled looks on player's faces throughout the games. From an historic perspective, Field Hockey rules were constituted before Girls were ATHLETES!. That's why they wore skirts (and still do). Although you'll notice that everyone, without exception, has a pair of athletic compression shorts on underneath. Trust me, this is not for modesty, it is for performance. Today's girls are atheltes. So here are some proposed rule changes that would add to excitement of both playing and watching the game.

Simple Rules Changes that would Improve the Game

First and foremost, players need to have protective gloves. Stuff happens when you compete and despite even the most benign intentions, sticks, usually inadvertently, slide up the another players shaft and damage unprotected fingers. Very dangerous and completely avoidable. Who could possibly object?

Let the players use their feet. In ice hockey, skaters often need to control the puck with their feet before they transfer it to their stick. This is a valuable skill and adds to the flow of the game. And like in ice hockey, players would not be allowed to kick the ball into the net for a goal. Otherwise, they should be able to do scissor kicks if they want to.

Eliminate the third person obstruction rule. The third person obstruction rule is an anathema to every coaching principle preached ad nauseam in every other sport. In Field Hockey, you are not allowed to double team an opponent even if your opponent has beaten your teammate.

Let the players use both sides of their sticks. The derivation of this rule is unclear. Is this supposed to be artistic or demonstrate some arcane skill level? It's neither.

Make the referees verbally call out the penalty rather than using the signs that look like 1950's fraternity secret handshakes. If you want spectators and players to understand what they did wrong, verbalize.

Last updated: 11/20/2008

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