HAMPDEN — Richmond boys’ soccer team was aware of Bangor Christian’s streaks: Twelve consecutive shutouts, and five state championships in a row.
Most importantly, the Bobcats knew how Bangor Christian secured last year’s title – tying the game against Richmond on a penalty kick with 52 seconds left in regulation, then winning on penalty kicks after two scoreless overtimes.
The Bobcats stared down those streaks and the unpleasant memories. Senior striker Marcus Blake scored twice and Richmond suffocated Bangor Christian’s offense to take a 3-0 victory in the Class D state final at Hampden Academy.
“This would have been their sixth time in a row, right?” Richmond freshman keeper Zach Small asked. “It’s really nice to break the (streak) and take it for ourselves.”
Bangor Christian’s shutout streak of about 1,000 minutes ended less than three minutes into the game. Curtis Anderson sent a pass to Blake in the box, and Blake drilled a shot into the lower left corner.
Blake scored again with 19:10 left in the first half. This time, he lofted a shot from 35 yards that found its way between the keeper and the crossbar for a 2-0 lead.
Both teams finished with 17-1 records.
CLASS D GIRLS
ASHLAND 2, RICHMOND 1: Mackenzie Carter scored her second goal of the game 3:07 into overtime as the Hornets (18-0) beat the Beavers (16-1) in the state final at Hampden Academy.
Carter opened the scoring 9:23 into the second half. Richmond’s Meranda Martin tied it about five minutes later, knocking in a loose ball after Ashland keeper Laura Sturgeon was unable to cleanly handle a long shot.
CLASS C BOYS
MARANACOOK 2, ORONO 0: Matt DuBois and Zack Godbout scored and the Black Bears (18-0) secured their second straight state championship with a win over the Red Riots (15-3) at Deering High.
Maranacook is 34-0-2 in two years since moving down from Class B.
DuBois put the Black Bears ahead with 11:56 left in the first half, assisted by Kent Mohlar.
Godbout made it 2-0 midway through the second half, crashing the net after Chris Beckwith’s free kick was headed toward the goal by Mohlar.
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