FOOTBALL

Coach: Aaron Filieo (12th year, 75-36 overall record)

2014 record: 6-3 (Lost, 14-12, to Yarmouth in Western C quarterfinals)

Top returning players: Justin Guerrette (Senior), Ryan Harvey (Senior), Alex Narvaez (Senior), Henry Shroder (Senior), Jeb Boeschenstein (Junior), Ben Ekedahl (Junior), Ryan Weare (Sophomore)

Pivotal games: Sept. 11 POLAND, Sept. 18 @ Spruce Mountain, Oct. 16 @ Yarmouth, Oct. 23 WELLS

Coach’s comment: “We lost a good senior class, but we have some starters back. We have good depth on the line and in the secondary and nice balance on offense. We’ll spread the ball around. It’s a really good group. We have great leadership. I like this team a lot. I like our balance. We have some pieces in place. I like the way our offensive line is jelling. They’re very smart.  I think most of the teams in our region will be better. There won’t be many easy games. It’s wide open. No juggernaut.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Cape Elizabeth made it nine straight playoff trips, but the sting of losing to Yarmouth after entering the postseason on a four-game win streak lingers. This fall, the Capers again are on the short list of favorites in the new Southern Class C, but it will take a full team effort for them to achieve their goal of going all the way.

Boeschenstein, who received trial by fire last fall when he had to replace the injured Noah Wolfinger, is back for a second season at quarterback. He’s a steady signal caller who can ran and throw. One thing Cape Elizabeth lacks at this point is a feature back. Filieo hoped it would be Peyton Weatherbie, but he transferred to Exeter Academy. Junior Brett McAlister will get some carries and Ekedahl (a Campbell Conference all-star in 2014) is listed this fall as a halfback, suggesting he’ll be in the mix. Weare will help open holes at fullback. Through the air, Boeschenstein can look for Guerrette and Shroder and certainly Ekedahl will be a receiving weapon as well. The line features some big boys in the likes of Harvey, lacrosse goalie Narvaez and juniors Jacob Jordan and Nat Jordan. Ekedahl does the place kicking and has impressive range.

Defensively, up front, Guerrette, Harvey, Nat Jordan, Narvaez and Shroder form a formidable unit. Jacob Jordan and Weare lead the linebacking corps. McAlister is a top cornerback. The Capers also have an abundance of younger players who are looking to work their way into the rotation.

It’s imperative for Cape Elizabeth to win games early because it closes with potential powers Wells and Yarmouth. By the time those tilts come around, homefield advantage for the playoffs might be at stake. By then, the Capers hope to have everyone up to speed. This is a team that is only going to get better. No one will want to face Cape Elizabeth in the crucible of the postseason.

BOYS’ SOCCER

Coach: Ben Raymond (10th year, 78-44-21 overall record)

2014 record: 9-5-2 (Lost, 1-0, to Greely in Western B semifinals)

Top returning players: J Bottomley (Senior), Matt Riggle (Senior), R.J. Sarka (Senior), Elliot McGinn (Junior), Wes Parker (Junior), Connor Thoreck (Junior), Owen Thoreck (Junior)

Pivotal games: Sept. 9 YORK, Sept. 12 @ Yarmouth, Sept. 17 @ Falmouth, Sept. 21 GREELY, Sept. 29 YARMOUTH, Oct. 6 FALMOUTH, Oct. 10 @ Greely, Oct. 17 @ York

Coach’s comment: “We have a lot of replacing to do. Cole (Caswell), Eddie (Galvin), Noah (Haversat), Griffin (Thoreck) and (Andrew Kelly) are big holes to fill. We know games against the other top teams will be close and won and lost on little things. Hopefully, we’ll limit mistakes and cause mistakes at the other end. We’ll be in the mix. We’re hoping to contend.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Last autumn, for the second year in a row, Cape Elizabeth lost in the semifinals. This fall, the Capers are seeking to make a deeper run. It won’t be easy, however, as graduation did a number on the program, taking several standouts including All-State selection Griffin Thoreck, all-conference selections Eddie Galvin and Noah Haversat and goalkeeper Andrew Kelly, who won’t be easy to replace. With that said, the cupboard is far from bare and foes would be wise to take Cape Elizabeth seriously in the weeks to come.

This fall, the Capers will look to Sarka to lead the scoring parade. Junior Nicolai Sabatini, an exchange student from Italy, could also find the net. Parker will replace Griffin Thoreck on free kicks. Raymond calls Parker his team’s “most skilled player.” Other midfielders to note are Bottomley, McGinn and Riggle. Connor and Owen Thoreck can fit in just about anywhere. The twins’ athleticism and strength makes them matchup nightmares. Three players, junior Marshall Peterson, sophomore Sean Agrandia and freshman Harry Baker, were vying at press time to replace Kelly in goal.

The Capers will hold their own against a brutal regular season schedule and should make the playoffs for the 30th year in a row. Where they go from there will be determined by how quickly players in different roles and players new to the varsity team get up to speed. The guess here is that Cape Elizabeth will once again be one of the last teams standing.

GIRLS’ SOCCER

Coach: Craig Fannan (third year, 27-7-2 overall record, one state championship)

2014 record: 12-5-1 (Lost, 1-0, in overtime, to Waterville in Class B state final)

Top returning players: Sierra Aceto (Senior), Montana Braxton (Senior), Kate Breed (Senior), Katherine Briggs (Senior), Tori Diaz (Senior), Tessa Goldstein (Senior), Sarah O’Connor (Senior), Morgan Wight (Senior), Mariah Deschino (Junior)

Pivotal games: Sept. 9 YORK, Sept. 12 @ Yarmouth, Sept. 18 FALMOUTH, Sept. 21 @ Greely, Sept. 29 YARMOUTH, Oct. 6 @ Falmouth, Oct. 9 GREELY, Oct. 17 @ York

Coach’s comment: “We’re looking good. We have a lot of seniors who are hungry. They were upset last year when we lost in the state game. We’ll probably have eight or nine seniors starting. Almost all of them play Premier year-round. There’s a little pressure that comes with having talent, but it’s nothing new to these girls. We hope to play a style that’s pleasing to the eye and one that also gets results. On paper, it’s our strongest squad.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: One year after winning the program’s first state title in 15 seasons in exhausting and exhilarating fashion, the Capers had a golden opportunity to repeat, but injuries hindered a usually potent offense and a perfectly placed overtime goal gave Waterville the title instead. Cape Elizabeth has licked its wounds and despite losing standout All-Stater Kathryn Clark to graduation (she’s now playing at Babson), is back looking to return to the state game and regain the Gold Ball the Capers feel is rightfully theirs.

The offense begins with the dynamic and athletic Braxton, an All-State selection in 2014. She’s capable of scoring at will, but often defers to setting up her talented teammates. Other top offensive threats include 2013 state game hero Breed (who missed last year’s championship game with a concussion), Briggs (who also had to sit out last November with a leg injury, but always has the penchant for the big goal), Deschino (a league all-star last fall who only gets better season after season), Diaz and O’Connor. The defense is solid as well behind Aceto (a regional all-star in 2014) and Wight. That unit will be bolstered by senior Natalie Vaughn (who played as a freshman but was injured the past two years) and a pair of freshmen, Riley Dall and Grace Gillian. Goldstein returns in goal. She did a terrific job after taking over for Mary Perkins last fall.

The Capers have been as good as anyone the past four seasons, winning 54 games, but to make it to a third straight state game for the first time in program history, they’ll have to stay healthy. The talent is staggering and the seniors know it’s now or never. Don’t be surprised to see Cape Elizabeth survive a brutally tough region and this time, finish the job. This special group deserves nothing less than another chance to go out on top.

FIELD HOCKEY

Coach: Maura Bisogni (first year)

2014 record: 6-8-1 (Lost, 2-1, in double overtime, to Kennebunk in Western B quarterfinals)

Top returning players: Megan Nicholson (Senior), Jillian Peterson (Senior), Taylor Young (Junior)

Pivotal games: Sept. 2 FALMOUTH, Sept. 4 @ Freeport, Sept. 12 GREELY, Sept. 14 @ Kennebunk, Sept. 22 YARMOUTH, Sept. 24 YORK, Sept. 26 KENNEBUNK, Sept. 28 @ Yarmouth, Sept. 30 @ Falmouth, Oct. 7 @ NYA

Coach’s comment: “We lost a lot of seniors, but we have another talented, committed and enthusiastic senior class stepping up. We’re looking for a lot of subs to step in and rise to the occasion, which they have been in practice. We’re planning to make it back to the playoffs.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: After a third straight playoff trip, Cape Elizabeth has a new look this season as the Capers have to replace some key departed players (including standout All-State goalie Mary DiPietro) and they also have a new coach in Bosogni, who replaces Darci Holland. Bosogni previously coached field hockey in Virginia and Washington D.C. and also coached squash at George Washington University and in Brooklyn, New York. Bosogni takes over a team that should once again be in contention.

This year, the offense will be led by Bosworth, Nicholson, Peterson and Young. Sophomore Emily Logue will play a bigger role. Defensively, senior Catherine Pelligirini and junior Ellie Garfield will look to make life as painless as possible for new goalie, senior Eden Devine.

There are some questions around this group, but look for answers to appear as the season progresses. The raw talent is undeniable and the returning players are used to having success. The Capers are eyeing another postseason trip and they could turn some heads when they get there.

VOLLEYBALL

Coach: Sarah Boeckel (third year, 28-5 overall record, one state championship)

2014 record: 15-2 (Beat Falmouth, 3-2, to win first Class A state championship)

TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: Maddie Bowe (Senior), Lydia Brenneman (Senior), Tess Haller (Senior), Monika Scheindel (Senior), Maggie Dadmun (Sophomore)

Pivotal matches: Sept. 4 @ Scarborough, Sept. 10 GREELY, Sept. 17 @ Falmouth, Sept. 29 @ Greely ,Oct. 1 SCARBOROUGH, Oct. 13 FALMOUTH, Oct. 17 @ Yarmouth

Coach’s comment: “We’re lucky to have a majority of team from last year returning and have added five new players to the team. A lot of players will contribute for us this year. I feel lucky to have an amazing team on and off the court. They love to play volleyball and love coming to practice and pushing each other to be better. It’s a coach’s dream. I believe our greatest strength is our mental toughness. It’s what helped us win states last year. We had to fight, a bit harder than I would of liked, to win, as we had to beat the three best teams in the league for the championship. It was a sweet victory. My hopes are that we maintain that and even raise the level. We want to be the smartest players on the court. We can’t wait for September 4th.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Words can’t adequately capture just how unthinkable and dramatic Cape Elizabeth’s championship run was a year ago. Equal parts grueling and exhilarating, the Capers snatched victory from sure defeat in three straight matches to make history, winning the program’s first title. Even better, Cape Elizabeth returns most of the players who made the championship possible and has to be viewed as the favorite this fall, even though nothing (again) will come easily.

Haller, the school’s reigning Fall Female Athlete of the Year, might just be the state’s premier player. She elevated her game in the playoffs last autumn and is fearsome and agile at the net. Brenneman was an all-state first-team selection in 2014 and is a defensive standout. Dadmun, a second-teamer last fall, had a tremendous freshman campaign and is a top setter. Bowe is always in the middle of the action, is a great finisher and loves the big stage (her play helped the girls’ basketball team make an improbable run to the regional final last winter). Scheindel is unheralded, but plays a key role as an opposite and outside hitter. Several other players will look to play a bigger part of this team’s success. The program has generated a lot of interest and there’s no shortage of athletes waiting in the wings to also contribute.

The Capers will be tested often by some terrific teams, but if this squad stays healthy and hungry, they’ll boast another good record and will have an opportunity to host a postseason match (an opportunity last year’s champion never had). This time around, Cape Elizabeth might want to play from ahead when the season is on the line, but it’s hard to argue with success. Whatever challenges the 2015 campaign will pose, you have to think this group will find a way to meet them and create more thrills and triumph.

CROSS COUNTRY

(Coaches)
(Boys) Derek Veilleux (sixth year, two state championships)
(Girls) Andrew Lupien (second year)

2014 results:
(Boys) 3rd @ Class B state meet
(Girls) 3rd @ Class B state meet

Top returners:
Boys: Stephen Bennett (Senior), Jared Duperre (Senior), Mac Huffard (Junior), Tony Inhorn (Sophomore), Arsen Scheindel (Sophomore)
Girls: Sam Feenstra (Senior), Liv Palma (Junior), Emma Shedd (Junior)

Top foes: Falmouth, Freeport, Greely, York boys; Greely, Yarmouth girls

Coach Veillieux’s comment: “We are an extremely young team with just two seniors and one junior, but we had a good summer of training and feel we will get better as a team throughout the season. Jared and Mac will lead the way and both have top 10 state meet potential. Our strength is our work ethic. The group we have isn’t afraid to work hard and that will be important in our progress. Our goal for the season is to run well when it matters in the championship meets. I would be pleased with a top five state meet finish given our relative inexperience.”

Coach Lupien’s comment: “We return three of our top four runners from a very successful team last season, however, we graduated a lot of depth and experience and we are now looking to see who will fill those spots. Of the 30 girls on our roster, 19 have never run high school cross country. I expect to see tremendous growth this season and hope we can return to the level we reached last season when we advanced to the New England championships.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Cape Elizabeth had two very good cross country teams in 2014 and both squads figure to be in the hunt again this fall.

The boys’ team, which fell two spots shy of a third consecutive championship last fall, lost Class B individual champion Mitch Morris and fourth-place finisher Kyle Kennedy to graduation, but returns Huffard (19th last fall), Duperre (23rd) and Scheindel (45th). Bennett also ran at states a year ago. Inhorn looks to play a bigger role and sophomore Sam Preble and freshman Aiden Willitis arrive to provide depth. This group will improve steadily and should be among the best in the region and state when all is said and done.

On the girls’ side, graduation also took its toll, but the Capers are excited to return state meet scorers Palma (10th), Feenstra (14th) and Shedd (16th). Freshman Alicia Lawrence is a newcomer to watch. Cape Elizabeth should qualify for the state meet for the 15th straight season and post a top 10 finish for the 14th consecutive year.

GOLF

Coach: Chris Whitney (first year)

2014 results: 10-0 (2nd @ Class B state match)

Top returners: Bryce Hewitt (Senior), Patrick MacDonald (Junior), Lauren Schonewolf (Junior), Cole Spencer (Junior), Ryan Collins (Sophomore), Peter Haber (Sophomore)

Top foes: Yarmouth, York

Coach’s comment: “After graduating star senior Reece McFarlane, we’re going to try to use depth and team chemistry, not just having one or two standouts, as we keep trying to build the program and tradition. With a large incoming freshman class full of potential and talent, it should be an interesting season. The Purpoodock Country Club staff led by PGA Professional Tony Decker should be commended for building such a great Junior golf program that feeds into the high school team. It’s amazing the skill level I have seen in such a large number of Junior golfers whom all call Purpoodock home. Any results we earn, Mr. Decker and his staff have a very large part to do with. I have an incredible group of kids who love the game and come to practice early and won’t leave because they want to learn and work on their games looking to get better while improving scores each day. They listen and are each others’ biggest fans. Having a young squad, you can worry about leadership but I have such a good group and each team member will always help with anything. We do have a mix of tournament-savvy younger kids as well as some that I will have to put in some pressure matches this year in our regular season to get them mentally ready for the pressure of conference team and individual tournaments to qualify for the state events. We can’t take getting back to states for granted. The kids are hungry but humble as well and know we need to work every practice and match preparing for that state qualifier if they even want a chance to get back and maybe get over the hump at states. I’m really excited to get to practice each day and work with each player and trying to maximize their potential. We just want to put it all together as we turn the calendar page from September to the championship weekends of October.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: The Capers ran roughshod over the opposition during a perfect regular season last fall, but at the state match, they fell 14 strokes shy of Camden Hills. This fall, Cape Elizabeth welcomes a new coach in Whitney, who is an assistant golf pro at the Falmouth Country Club. Despite graduating standout Reese McFarlane and state meet scorers Nate Ingalls and George Mackenzie, this year’s team is bursting with promise and is eager to capture the state title which has eluded the program since 2007. After finishing second two years in a row, this could be the year Cape Elizabeth gets over the hump as there are an abundance of strong players waiting for their opportunity to shine.

Collins qualified for the Maine State Amateur Championship and was selected to be one of seven players to represent Maine at the boys’ New England Junior Championship. He shot an 85 at last year’s state match and tied for 11th at the Class B individual state match with an 84. Schonewolf recently won the Maine State Golf Association Junior Girls’ title, shot a 95 at states a year ago and tied for seventh with an 85 at the girls’ individual state match. She’ll shoot for the top spot this autumn. Haber, Hewitt, MacDonald and Spencer will look to play bigger roles and then there’s freshman Austin Legge, who won the Maine State Golf Association Junior Boys’ title, qualified for the Maine State Amateur championship and was selected to join Collins at the New England Junior Championship. Freshmen Jack Kelley, Chris Laprade and Michael Mackenzie will also be in the mix.

The Capers have gone undefeated three straight years. They figure to dominate the conference again, but this team’s legacy will be determined by what happens Oct. 10 at Natanis. After falling just short the past two seasons, don’t be surprised if this group finishes the job. They might even do it emphatically.

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

Junior Jeb Boeschenstein will be back under center for the Capers this fall.

Junior Ben Ekedahl has shown the ability to make clutch kicks.

Junior Connor Thoreck will pace the Capers’ attack.

Junior Owen Thoreck will make life miserable for the opposition.

An athlete extraordinaire and a matchup nightmare in the middle of the field, senior Montana Braxton will be the engine that makes this year’s Capers go.

Senior Kate Breed is a four-year contributor who already has her name etched into Capers’ lore.

Senior Katherine Briggs has the penchant for the clutch goal.

Mariah Deschino turned plenty of heads with her play as a freshman and sophomore. As a junior, she’ll likely be one of the area’s elite talents.

Senior Sarah O’Connor brings experience to the defensive side of the field.

Senior Morgan Wight will help anchor the Capers’ defense.

Junior Hannah Bosworth looks to lead the Capers to big things this season.

Senior Megan Nicholson will be in the middle of the action for the Capers.

Look for junior Taylor Young to emerge into one of the Capers’ top scoring threats this season.

Maddie Bowe is a returning captain who hopes to lead the Capers back to the Promised Land.

Lydia Brenneman is a standout defensive specialist for the defending champs.

Maggie Dadmun was a revelation as a freshman. She’ll play a key role again this fall.

Tess Haller was arguably the state’s best player a year ago and was named Cape Elizabeth’s Fall Female Athlete of the Year. She’s be dominant in her senior season.

Monika Scheindel is another key returner for the Capers.

Senior Sam Feenstra is a top returner on the trails for the Cape Elizabeth girls’ cross country team.

After a triumphant summer, Lauren Schonewolf returns to Cape Elizabeth’s golf team and figures to make a run at the girls’ individual state title.

Freshman Austin Legge brings quite a resume into his first varsity golf season and he hopes to help Cape Elizabeth win a Class B state title.

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Cape Elizabeth’s volleyball team capped an inspirational tournament run with its first state championship a year ago. The Capers look to do it again in 2015.

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