FOOTBALL

Coach: Packy Malia (second year)

2021 record: 5-4 (Lost, 28-12, to eventual state champion Thornton Academy in Class A state semifinals)

Top returning players: De’Angelo Alston (Senior), Tim Crockett (Senior), Griffin Denbow (Senior), Isaac Glidden (Senior), Andrew Moore (Senior), Charlie Murray (Senior), Keegan Weed (Senior)

Pivotal games: Sept. 2 THORNTON ACADEMY, Sept. 9 @ Bonny Eagle, Sept. 16 MARSHWOOD, Oct. 14 SOUTH PORTLAND, Oct. 28 @ Oxford Hills

Coach’s comment: “We’re right where we should be. We have a lot of athletes and fast kids and we’re trying to find out if we’re tough enough up front. We want to put pressure on the defense and spread the ball around. I think we can be right there like we’ve been the past several years. Our opening schedule will tell us where we stand.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: After reaching the semifinals for the ninth year in a row and the 10th time in 11 seasons, Scarborough is one of the teams that believes it has a chance to dethrone perennial powerhouse Thornton Academy. The Red Storm lost some top-notch athletes to graduation, but several others are ready to step in and keep the program in the upper echelon.

Weed will again see time at quarterback and will also play wide receiver when Alston sees time under center. Denbow will get the lion’s share of carries at running back. Murray is another top receiver, while Crockett plays tight end. The line figures to be strong with Glidden and Moore being joined by new sophomores Nate Murray and Cole Tomuschat.

Defensively, Glidden, Nate Murray and Tomuschat are on the line, Moore is a top linebacker and the secondary features Crockett, Denbow and Charlie Murray.

As far as Scarborough’s concerned, the playoffs begin on Opening Night when Thornton Academy comes to the Red Storm’s new turf field. Scarborough then turns around and goes to Bonny Eagle and hosts reigning Class B champion Marshwood. The Red Storm will find out quickly just how far they have to go to be in the mix for a state title. Scarborough will be tough to match up with and its athleticism will be its greatest strength. That could be enough to get the team through at least one playoff round, again, but the Red Storm are hoping for an even deeper run than that.

BOYS’ SOCCER

Coach: Mark Diaz (24th year, 296-60-21 overall record, six state championships)

2021 record: 13-3 (Lost, 2-1, 8-7 on PKs, to Gorham in Class A South quarterfinals)

Top returning players: Ashton Blanchette (Senior), Will Fallona (Senior), Noah Flagg (Senior), Parker Killiard (Senior), Jack Moreau (Senior), Nick Ouellette (Senior), Kilson Joao (Junior)

Pivotal games: Sept. 3 PORTLAND, Sept. 9 WINDHAM, Sept. 26 FALMOUTH, Oct. 3 MARSHWOOD, Oct. 10 @ South Portland, Oct. 18 DEERING

Coach’s comment: “I like this group. We have good senior leaders. Losing Zander (Haskell) was big, but we have guys who can fill holes. We’ll have do some things differently this year, but we hope to make a run and expect to be in the mix. I think we’ll be up there at the end.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Scarborough’s season ended in disappointment with a penalty kicks loss in the quarterfinals. Then, graduation took its toll and All-Conference and all-region standout Zander Haskell took his skills to Bridgton Academy for his senior year. Weep not for the Red Storm, however, as plenty of talent remains and in a year where Class A South is as balanced as ever, Scarborough has a great shot to emerge as the top team.

Flagg was a first-team SMAA all-star, as well as a Class A South regional all-star last season. He returns and will anchor the defense, along with Killiard, an honorable mention a year ago. Ouellette, another honorable mention in 2019, returns in goal and will keep the Red Storm in every game. Blanchette, also honorable mention last season, joins Moreau in the midfield. They’re joined by seniors Jett Badger, Ethan Blanche, Oscar Davis and Dillon Wilkinson and junior Dillon MacLeod. Fallona and Joao will look to replace Haskell’s goal-scoring production up top.

Scarborough gets tested right out of the gate when a promising Portland team pays a visit. The slate doesn’t ease up much from there, but the challenges will help the Red Storm grow and gain toughness. Toughness they’ll need for the postseason. It’s been seven years since Scarborough played in the state final (or in a regional final for that matter). With a little luck, that drought could end in November.

GIRLS’ SOCCER

Coach: Mike Farley (18th year, 224-36-17 overall record, two state championships)

2021 results: 13-2-1 (Lost, 2-1, to Thornton Academy in Class A South quarterfinals)

Top returning players: Julia Black (Senior), Bridget Davis (Senior), Ali Mokriski (Senior), Maeve Davis (Junior), Lana Djuranovic (Junior), Sasha Ouellette (Junior), Avery Pettingill (Junior), Natalie Ryan (Junior), Sanibel Shinners (Junior)

Pivotal games: Sept. 2 @ Portland, Sept. 8 @ Windham, Sept. 24 @ Falmouth, Sept. 29 THORNTON ACADEMY

Coach’s comment: “We lost 10 seniors to graduation and those players were a big part of our team. The junior class had really big roles on the team last year, so that experience appears to have paid off because as a group they have looked hungry and really have played well over the summer. Our back line has gone through some shuffling as far as positions, but their experience together last year should really pay off for us. Our group of attacking players has tons of potential, but we’ll have to see how things come together. We hope this group can live up to their potential. We have a really good mix of experienced players along with some younger players that will push for playing time. This is one of the deeper teams I’ve had over my 18 years. Our goal is to quickly get up to speed on what we are trying to do as a team and have the girls embrace the new roles and responsibilities we lay out for them. We developed a defensive identity and I look for this group to make it very hard on opposing teams. We want to help our very talented group of attacking players find a good rhythm and help them reach their full potential and have a very consistent level of goal-scoring. This group seems annoyed by how last year ended and I think they have started with a chip on their shoulders and are playing with a lot of determination and desire. I’m excited because when we are motivated, we are tough to deal with.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Scarborough is still stinging over a rare early playoff exit and the rest of Class A South is going to find out in the weeks to come that the Red Storm are on a mission. A mission to get back to the top of the heap.

The Red Storm have talent all over the field, can score goals in abundance and hold the opposition at bay. The scoring once again will be led by the unstoppable Mokriski, who scored 21 goals last season (one shy of the program record). Mokriski, a league all-star and member of the Class A South all-region team, also had eight assists to give her 29 points. If Mokriski isn’t enough to deal with, Djuranovic is a star in her own right, who is able to finish (18 goals last season), while having the creative vision to find her teammates in optimal spots (13 assists). Djuranovic, who also was All-Conference and All-Region, holds the school record for assists in a season and eclipsed Maureen McHugh’s longtime mark for points in one year, set way back in 2000. Shinners, along with junior Talia Borelli (who moves up from outside back) and sophomore Delia Fravert (5 goals, 3 assists last season), will also create problems up top. Bridget Davis, a defensive midfielder, can find the goal as well (3 goals, 4 assists in 2021). Defensively, Black (a second-team league all-star last fall), Maeve Davis, Ouellette, Pettingill and Ryan (honorable mention) make up a formidable unit, which will be supported by the addition of sophomore Emma Blanchette. Senior Mackenzie Lydon saw some time in goal last year, posting two shutouts. She’ll likely get the lion’s share of time this fall, but sophomore Sophia Rinaldi, last year’s junior varsity keeper, is also in the mix.

While Windham is the defending champion and Cheverus, Falmouth, Gorham and perhaps even Portland stand in the way, a determined Scarborough squad will be very tough to contend with. The Red Storm have won at least 10 games every season since 2009 (with the exception of the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign) and that string should continue. It’s what happens in the postseason that this team cares about most and after last year’s disappointment, expect Scarborough to be on a vengeance and to be one of the last squads standing.

FIELD HOCKEY

Coach: Kerry Mariello (21st year, 245-65-8 overall record, two state championships)

2021 record: 16-2 (Lost, 2-1, to eventual state champion Cheverus in Class A South Final)

Top returning players: Anjali Bhatnagar (Senior), Stella Grondin (Senior), Ayden Harris (Senior), Anna Kavanagh (Senior), Daisy Stone (Senior), Caroline Hartley (Junior)

Pivotal games: Sept. 1 @ Gorham, Sept. 7 MASSABESIC, Sept. 21 @ Biddeford, Sept. 23 CHEVERUS, Oct. 5 @ Falmouth

Coach’s comment: “The girls have been outstanding so far. They’re very driven. We graduated 10 from last year, so there are a lot of puzzle pieces to fit. Hopefully we’ll get it together by the time it matters most. Cheverus is clearly the team to beat again. We have to find the right mix and strategy and have everything be on to beat them. We hope all our parts come together at the end.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Scarborough played eventual champion Cheverus as close as anyone a year ago, losing a hard-fought regional final by a single goal. While Cheverus appears even stronger this season, the Red Storm have a lot of holes to fill, but Mariello welcomes the challenge.

Bhatnagar was an SMAA all-star, as well as an all-state selection in 2021. She returns and will make her presence felt in the midfield and up top, depending on the situation. Grondin, Harris and Stone all have the ability to play multiple positions as well. Those four players will be the most dangerous scoring threats. The defense is led by Hartley and Kavanagh, who was an honorable mention all-star last season. Junior Jamila Mohammed is new in goal.

Cheverus is the favorite, which means Scarborough can take advantage of being in an unfamiliar role of the team chasing. The Red Storm will figure out how to maximize their talent. Come playoff-time, Scarborough will welcome an opportunity to upset the Stags, if that opportunity presents itself.

VOLLEYBALL

Coach: Kim Stoddard (fourth year, 43-8 overall record, one state championship)

2021 record: 16-2 (Beat Biddeford, 3-2, to win Class A state title)

Top returning players: Rose Dittmer (Junior), Alana Sawyer (Junior), Olivia Smith (Junior), Julia Strouse (Junior), Natalie Moynihan (Sophomore)

Pivotal matches: Sept. 13 @ Cape Elizabeth, Sept. 16 GORHAM, Sept. 22 @ Yarmouth, Sept. 24 FALMOUTH, Sept. 26 BIDDEFORD, Oct. 5 @ Falmouth,

Coach’s comment: “I expect we will be very competitive again this season. We graduated a lot of our height, but we have players who can block and our defense will be tough. We have a lot of depth and players who contributed to our success last year that are ready to work hard and take on leading roles. All of our hitters have the ability to hit from anywhere along the net, which gives our offense a lot of options. I am excited to see how creative we can be with our offense and I think that will keep defenses guessing. Everyone on the team supports each other and challenges each other to be the best they can be. I love the supportive and competitive environment in our gym. That is what will make us a tough team this year.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Scarborough enjoyed a fairy tale end to last season, not only edging Biddeford in a five-set state match for the ages, but beating the Tigers in their own gym in the process. Graduation took a toll on the program, but the Red Storm boast a strong young nucleus and figure to show dramatic improvement over the course of the season.

Moynihan was a revelation as a freshman, finishing second on the team in aces (with 63) and third in kills (113) while earning first-team all-star mention. She’ll be a force all over the court and is already recognized as one of the state’s elite players. Strouse will play a key role as well at setter. Last year, Strouse was second on the team in assists with 197. Smith was fifth on the squad in both aces (17) and kills (41) last season and will have even more of an impact in 2022. Sawyer was sixth in kills last season (39) and will be tough to match up with, while Dittmer is poised to become a top hitter and server. Junior Samantha Cote is a newcomer to keep an eye on. She’ll be a top defender.

Scarborough would love to repeat, but the road won’t be easy. Not only do the Red Storm have to deal with the usual suspects in Class A, like Biddeford (the preseason favorite), Falmouth and Gorham, they’ll be tested by the likes of reigning Class B champion Yarmouth and perennial contender Cape Elizabeth. Scarborough might not wind up posting as glowing a record as it did a year ago, but its end goal is the same, to be the last team standing. Anyone betting against the Red Storm might be disappointed when the dust ultimately settles.

CROSS COUNTRY

Coaches:
(Boys) Jim Harmon (25th year, 10 state championships)
(Girls) Ron Kelly (50th year, five state championships)

2021 results:
(Boys) 6th @ Class A state meet
(Girls) DNQ for Class A state meet (10th @ regional meet)

Top returners:
(Boys) Adam Bendetson (Senior), Joseph Cotta (Senior), Nathan Driscoll (Senior), Ben Bouchard (Junior), Colby Shumway (Junior), Ethan Keller (Sophomore), Nicholas Koziell (Sophomore)
(Girls) Rowan Driscoll (Sophomore)

Coach Harmon’s comment: “If we stay healthy and keep working hard, I think we can be one of the top five teams in the state by the championship season.”

Coach Kelly’s comment: “Developing a number five runner will be the key to our season. We hope to qualify for the state meet.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: It should be another competitive season for Scarborough cross country.

The boys graduated standout Zach Barry, last year’s Forecaster Fall Athlete of the Year, but return state meet scorers Bendetson (38th), Cotta (44th), Driscoll (46th) and Keller (58th). Bouchard and Shumway also ran at states last season, but Koziell hopes to get into the mix. Senior Gavin Cote, sophomore Landon Springer and freshman Max Edwards are new and provide depth for a squad that will be among the best not only in the regular season, but at the big meets as well.

The girls’ squad is very small, with just seven runners at press time, but there is enough quality to suggest the Red Storm can contend. Driscoll qualified for states as a freshman, posting the 25th-best time, and she’ll lead the way this winter, along with junior Kyleigh Record. The squad also includes junior Maezy Gleason (83rd at last year’s regional meet) and Madeline Wolfgram, sophomores Bella Csuka and Bridget Flannery (78th last year at regionals) and freshman Camdyn Conant. Look for steady improvement and for Scarborough to be at its best when it comes time to qualify for states.

GOLF

Coach: Mike Murphy (34th year, two state championships)

2021 results: 4th @ Class A state match

Top returners: Owen Falcon (Junior), Harrison Griffiths (Junior), Keenan Buteau (Sophomore), Marc Twombly (Sophomore)

Coach’s comment: “The team looks solid. We’ll miss the three guys who graduated, but we have a nice group coming back. No seniors, so it’s up to these younger kids to take over and provide leadership. The goal is always to get to Natanis and see what happens, but the qualifier is a one-day thing and you just never know.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Scarborough is coming off another strong showing at states and while some of the top scorers from the big match have departed, there’s enough firepower remaining to suggest the Red Storm will be in the hunt for a title again.

Buteau had a strong showing at states last year, shooting a round of 83. Griffiths (84) and Falcon (86) also scored. Twombly, who was the team’s top golfer before breaking his wrist just before states, also returns and looks to make up for lost time. That nucleus is bolstered by the addition of juniors Matthew Lemelin and Ryan Ravis and sophomores Cam Morin, a transfer from Lewiston, and Erik Swenson.

Scarborough will get to measure itself against three strong teams, Cheverus, Falmouth and South Portland, in the regular season. The Red Storm hope to then be at their best and qualify for states for a ninth straight season before looking to finish atop the heap. Don’t best against them.

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @foresports.

Copy the Story Link

Comments are not available on this story.