Yarmouth’s Jared Conant, who is confined to a wheelchair due to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, is congratulated by his teammates, as well as players from Lake Region, after scoring a goal during the Clippers’ 8-1 victory last week.

Freeport’s Aynslie Decker races in on St. Dom’s goalie Simone Long during the Falcons’ 4-3 upset victory last week.

Falmouth’s Riley Reed celebrates at the end of a long touchdown run during the Yachtmen’s 27-18 home win over Biddeford Friday.

Yarmouth’s Ceanne Lyon attempts a kill as Falmouth’s Alex Burton defends during the Yachtsmen’s 3-1 victory last week.

(Ed. Note: For the complete Falmouth-Biddeford football, Freeport-St. Dom’s, Freeport-Yarmouth and Greely-Fryeburg Academy field hockey and Falmouth-Cape Elizabeth and Falmouth-Yarmouth volleyball game stories, see theforecaster.net)

The midway point of the fall sports season has come and gone and for local squads, every outing the rest of the way has major stakes.

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Here’s a look at the week that was and a glimpse at what’s to come, as Heal Points come into play for the first time.

Football

Falmouth’s football team won its third game in a row last Friday, 27-18, over visiting Biddeford, to improve to 3-1 on the season and third behind Marshwood and Kennebunk in the Class B South Heals.

Just 4 minutes, 15 seconds in, Riley Reed broke free for a 77-yard touchdown run to put the Yachtsmen ahead to stay. After the Tigers answered, Reed struck again, this time racing to a 67-yard score and a 14-6 lead after one quarter. Evan Lovely then intercepted a Biddeford pass and returned it 62 yards to paydirt for a 20-6 Falmouth lead at halftime.

“I saw the quarterback looking my way and I saw the receiver running a slant and luckily, he overthrew the ball,” Lovely said. “I just had to wait for it and go up and get it.”

Momentum then turned the Tigers’ way, as they scored to cut the deficit to eight, but the Yachtsmen, after going conservative on offense when starting quarterback Nick Mancini suffered an ankle injury and was replaced by freshman Cooper Bush, got a big break with 3:41 remaining in the third period, as Lovely caught a Bush pass in circus fashion, then completed a 59-yard scoring reception to make it 27-12. Biddeford again answered, but the Tigers couldn’t add the two-point conversion and never drew any closer as Falmouth went on to a 27-18 victory.

“Biddeford is one of the toughest and most technique-sound teams in the league and we had to keep the pressure on,” said Reed, who ran for 180 yards and two scores on 18 carries.

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“I thought it would take three, four weeks to know what kind of team we have and I’m happy,” said Falmouth coach John Fitzsimmons. “They’re great young men.”

The Yachtsmen have a huge test Friday night when they host 4-0 Marshwood, the defending state champion in a rematch of last year’s thrilling Class B South Final.

Greely had a big win as well, evening its record at 2-2 after rallying to beat host Cape Elizabeth, 20-14. The Rangers were down, 14-6, entering the fourth quarter (Greely’s points came on a 94-yard Joey Casella touchdown run), but a fourth down 5-yard TD run Casella and a Casella two-point conversion rush tied it and late in regulation, again on fourth down, quarterback Nick Male threw the winning 3-yard touchdown pass to Brady Nolin. Greely (sixth in Class B South) goes to 1-3 Westbrook Friday.

Freeport improved to 3-1 in the Class E Developmental League after handling visiting Telstar, 43-14. A 47-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Anthony Panciocco to Tre Morris, a 7-yard scoring run by Caden Benedict and a 52-yard Morris TD scamper made it 21-0 Falcons after one period. After Telstar got on the board, Morris returned the ensuing kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown and Randall Vickerson’s 4-yard rush extended the lead to 37-7 at the break. A 2-yard TD pass from Conor Fox to Duncan Nam in the third period ended Freeport’s scoring. Telstar added one more touchdown in the fourth quarter to account for the final score. The Falcons host 4-0 Dirigo Friday.

Yarmouth fell to 1-3 after a 35-0 home loss to Fryeburg Academy. A 21-point second period allowed the Raiders to open it up and they added two more touchdowns in the third quarter. The Clippers (seventh in Class C South) travel to 2-2 Morse Friday.

Boys’ soccer

North Yarmouth Academy’s boys’ soccer team was undefeated at press time, improving to 7-0 after wins last week at Lake Region (5-1) and St. Dom’s (4-1). Chas Rhode had two goals against the Lakers, while Damon Dulac, Cam Goodrich and Alasdair Swett also scored. In the win over the Saints, Goodrich, Rhode, Ryan Baker and Stefan Kulhanek all tickled the twine. The Panthers (first in the Class D South Heals at press time) hosted Richmond Tuesday in a possible playoff preview, go to rival Waynflete Thursday (see theforecaster.net for game story), welcome Lake Region Saturday and play host to Traip Academy Tuesday of next week.

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Four-time defending Class B champion Yarmouth extended its unbeaten streak to 37 games last week and provided a memorable, feel-good moment in the process. The Clippers improved to 7-0-1 after decisive wins at Fryeburg Academy (7-0), at home over Lake Region (8-1) and at Poland (6-0). Eric LaBrie had three goals against the Raiders, while Jack Jones, Ian LaBrie, Jason Lainey and Cam Merrill all added one. In the win over the Lakers, Jack Jones had three goals, while Merrill, Liam Ireland, Eric LaBrie and Jack Romano had one apiece, but they were upstaged by Jared Conant, who is confined to a wheelchair due to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, who saw his first varsity minutes and scored his first varsity goal, bringing down the house in the process.

“Having known Jared now for five years and knowing how much he has meant to our entire program since he joined us, seeing him on the field was incredibly moving,” said Yarmouth coach Mike Hagerty. “His presence on the team has been both inspirational and humbling. He is a constant reminder to all of us that no matter what people are facing in life, if they choose a positive attitude as he has done, not only can they make the best of things for themselves, they can also inspire others to do the same.”

In the win over the Knights, Jones, Lainey, Eric LaBrie, Ian LaBrie, Owen Bohrmann and Aidan Hickey all scored. Yarmouth (first in Class B South) hosted York Tuesday, plays at Cape Elizabeth Saturday (see theforecaster.net for game story) and welcomes Greely Tuesday of next week.

Freeport was 5-1-2 and fourth in Class B South at press time following 4-1 wins at Wells and at home over Traip Academy. Jesse Bennell had three goals and Shea Wagner also scored against the Warriors. In the win over the Rangers, Caleb Arsenault, Wes Goodwin, Owen Howarth and Eriksen Shea all scored. The Falcons were home against Poland Tuesday, go to Greely Friday, then visit York Tuesday of next week.

Greely improved to 3-2-2 and fifth in Class B South after a 1-0 home win over York Friday. Chris Williams had the goal. The Rangers hosted Cape Elizabeth Tuesday, welcome Freeport Friday and go to Yarmouth Tuesday of next week.

In Class A South, Falmouth was 5-1-1 and fourth following last Thursday’s 3-0 home win over Marshwood. Gus Ford, Nik Hester and Josh LeFevre all scored. The Yachtsmen were at Deering Tuesday (see theforecaster.net for game story), welcome South Portland Saturday and visit Scarborough Tuesday of next week.

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Girls’ soccer

Falmouth’s girls’ soccer team found itself atop the Class A South Heals at press time with a 3-2-2 mark. Last week, the Yachtsmen enjoyed a 2-1, double-overtime victory at Marshwood and settled for a 0-0 home draw against previously unbeaten Gorham. Aimee Muscadin and Kelly Yoon (with a second left in the second OT) scored against the Hawks. Monday, Falmouth blanked visiting Bonny Eagle, 2-0, as Lexi Bugbee and Madison Wolf had the goals. After going to Portland Wednesday, the Yachtsmen travel to South Portland Friday and host Massabesic Wednesday of next week.

Yarmouth, the two-time defending Class B state champion, had won five in a row entering Tuesday’s showdown at York. The Clippers downed visiting Fryeburg Academy (9-1) and blanked host Lake Region (4-0) and visiting Poland (4-0) last week. In the win over the Raiders, Anna Wallace scored three times, Abi Hincks had two goals and Hannah Dwyer, Audrey Goessling, Parker Harnett and Addison Hounchell each added one. Against the Lakers, Goessling, Harnett, Ehryn Groothoff and Adriana Whitlock scored goals. In the win over the Knights, Harnett, Wallace, Whitlock and Olivia Bradford finished. Yarmouth (5-2 and seventh in the Class B South Heals at press time) hosts Gray-New Gloucester Thursday, welcomes undefeated Cape Elizabeth Saturday (see theforecaster.net for game story) and plays host to Greely Tuesday of next week.

Freeport was 4-2-2 and fourth in Class B South following 5-1 wins last week over visiting Wells and at St. Dom’s. The Falcons got a hat trick from Catriona Gould and single goals from Allison Greuel and Rachel Wall in the win over the Warriors. Against the Saints, Gould scored four more times and Greuel also found the net. Freeport was at Poland Tuesday, hosts Greely Thursday and welcomes York Tuesday of next week.

Greely evened its record at 3-3-1 with its third straight victory, 4-0, over visiting Waynflete Saturday. Skylar Cooney had two goals, while Katherine Clancy and Sawyer Dusch each scored once. The Rangers (10th in Class B South) were at Cape Elizabeth Tuesday, visit Freeport Thursday and go to Yarmouth Tuesday of next week.

In Class D South, NYA was 5-2-1 and third following last Wednesday’s 2-0 home victory over Old Orchard Beach and Monday’s 1-1 home tie again Richmond. Catherine Reid and Serena Mower scored against the Seagulls. In the draw, Mower had the goal. The Panthers welcome Waynflete Thursday, play host to Greater Portland Christian School Saturday and travel to Waynflete Wednesday of next week.

Field hockey

Freeport and Greely’s field hockey teams found themselves near the top of the Class B South standings at press time.

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The Falcons were 8-2 and second to Fryeburg Academy in the Heals after recent wins over visiting St. Dom’s (4-3), host Yarmouth (6-0) and visiting Poland (4-0) and a 2-0 setback at defending Class B South champion York. Against the Saints, the defending Class C champions and a team that beat Freeport, 9-0, a year ago, the Falcons made a quick statement as Natalie Anderson scored. After St. Dom’s drew even, Alexa Koenig gave Freeport a 2-1 halftime lead. After the Saints tied it again, Ally Randall made it 3-2 Falcons, but for the third time, St. Dom’s got the tying goal. Then, with 6:59 to play, Koenig set up Kerry Lefebvre for a go-ahead score and this time, Freeport made it hold up and prevailed, 4-3, beating the Saints for the first time since 2007.

“I didn’t want to go into overtime with them,” Lefebvre said. “I didn’t have any energy, but I got back to make that shot. Honestly, it was just luck.”

“No matter what, we don’t give up,” Koenig said. “We won’t fold. We depend on each other a lot.”

“It’s got to be our biggest regular season win in a long time,” added Freeport coach Marcia Wood. “I’m so proud of the girls for keeping their heads up and fighting.” 

The Falcons had more shots and corners than York, but still lost, despite playing the Wildcats closer than they have in the past.

“We weren’t timid at York,” Falcons coach Marcia Wood said. “Their goalie and defense were stellar and we couldn’t put it in.”

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In the win over the Clippers, as Freeport won on Yarmouth’s turf field for the first time, Lefebvre had three goals, Koenig converted a penalty stroke and Anderson and Randall also rattled the cage. 

“Making history is always fun,” said Koenig. “St. Dom’s was a great game. York’s a good team and it was tough playing them.”

“We were motivated to beat Yarmouth,” Lefebvre said. “They’ve been our rival for so long.” 

Monday, Freeport got two goals from Anderson and one apiece from Lefebvre and Aynslie Decker. The Falcons host Cape Elizabeth Wednesday, then have a showdown at top-ranked Fryeburg Academy Friday. 

Greely, meanwhile, was 7-2 and fifth in Class B South after bouncing back from last Tuesday’s 2-1 home loss to Lake Region by upsetting then-unbeaten Fryeburg Academy, 1-0, blanking host Traip Academy, 4-0, and Monday defeating host Cape Elizabeth, 3-1. Delia Knox had a second half goal to help beat the visiting Raiders.

“I knew it would be a tough game, but we pulled through,” Knox said. “We knew we could win.” 

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“We haven’t had this type of back-and-forth paced game,” said Rangers coach Chelsea Morley. “A lot of underclassmen stepped up.”

In the win over Traip Academy, Knox, Megan Beaulieu, Maggie McCormick and Ella Wharton all scored. Knox had two goals and Beaulieu added one in the win over the Capers. Greely was home with York Wednesday (see theforecaster.net for game story), welcomes Gray-New Gloucester Saturday and plays host to Sacopee Valley Tuesday of next week.

Yarmouth was 5-5 and seventh in Class B South following recent 3-2 wins at Cape Elizabeth (in double overtime) and at home over NYA, a 6-0 home loss to Freeport and Monday’s 2-0 victory at Wells. In the win over the Capers, the Clippers erased a 2-0 halftime deficit as Olivia Bailey and Lizzie Guertler scored in the second half and Lydia Guay scored in OT. Against the Panthers, Guay, Arabella Solari and Abby Hill (with no time left) had the goals. In the loss to the Falcons, Cayte Tillotson made 22 saves.

“We were right there,” Yarmouth first-year coach Tracy Quimby said. “We hung in there, then things tipped the other way.”

Guay scored twice in the win over the Warriors. The Clippers are at York Friday and visit Lake Region Tuesday of next week.

In Class A South, Falmouth was 6-2-1 and sixth in the region following 2-0 wins at Kennebunk and at home against Massabesic. Keller Gardner scored twice in the win over the Rams. Emma Cohen and Veronica Grobe had the goals against the Mustangs. The Yachtsmen were at undefeated Biddeford Tuesday, host South Portland Thursday and play at Gorham Monday.

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In Class C South, NYA was 4-4 and seventh after a 3-2 loss at Yarmouth, a 7-2 home win over Wells and a 3-2 double-overtime victory at Sacopee Valley in recent action. Against the Clippers, Katie Larson and Emilia McKenney rattled the cage. McKenney had three goals, Larson two and Eleanor Commons and Amber Rose one apiece in the win over the Warriors. Against the Hawks, Larson had two goals and Rose produced the winner in OT. The Panthers hosted Lake Region Wednesday, welcome St. Dom’s Friday and play at Wells Tuesday of next week.

Volleyball

Falmouth’s volleyball team started the week atop the Class A Heals at 5-1 following a three-set (14-25, 21-25, 31-33) loss at defending Class B champion Cape Elizabeth and a four-set (22-25, 25-8, 25-7, 25-18) home victory over Yarmouth last week. Against the Capers, in a rematch of last year’s state final, the Yachtsmen started slowly but came on strong at the end of the match, as Annika Hester had 12 kills and Katie Phillips added 10 assists.

“I was proud of the way we came back in the third set because they handled us the first two sets,” said Falmouth’s first-year coach Larry Nichols. 

In the win over the Clippers, in another playoff rematch, Hester led the way with 22 kills and 13 service points, Phillips had 19 service points and 14 assists and Summer Spiegel added 14 assists.

“We wanted to come out hard tonight after our loss and we finally woke up and played really well,” Phillips said. 

“We didn’t have offense early, but fortunately, we got more mindful of attacking and our coverage got better and it has to against (Yarmouth),” Nichols said. 

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The Yachtsmen were at Bonny Eagle Tuesday, host Biddeford Thursday and play at Kennebunk Tuesday of next week.

Yarmouth began the week 5-2 and third in Class B following a straight-set (25-11, 25-18, 25-7) home win over Cony and the loss at Falmouth last week. Dominique Moran had nine aces and Evelyn Lukis eight kills in the win. Against the Yachtsmen, Moran had 20 assists and Kaitlyn Bennett finished with nine kills. 

“I’d love to have given Falmouth a better fight,” said Clippers coach Jim Senecal. “We want to be at their level, but we weren’t tonight.”

Yarmouth was home with NYA Tuesday, goes to Cheverus Thursday and hosts Gardiner Tuesday of next week.

Greely was 2-5 and fifth in Class B after last Thursday’s straight-set (11-25, 12-25, 25-27) loss at Cape Elizabeth. After going to defending Class A champion Scarborough Tuesday, the Rangers welcome Brunswick/Mt. Ararat Thursday and play host to Cape Elizabeth Tuesday of next week.

In Class C, NYA began the week 4-1 and fifth in the standings following last Thursday’s straight-set win at Lake Region. After going to Yarmouth Tuesday, the Panthers host Wells Friday and welcome Jonseport-Beals and Narraguagus Saturday.

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Cross Country

Freeport, Greely and Yarmouth’s cross country teams took part in the Manchester (New Hampshire) Invitational last weekend.

In the boys’ small school division, Greely was second out of 47 scoring teams (Oyster River, New Hampshire was first). Luke Marsanskis had the seventh-best individual time, finishing the 5,000-meter course in 16 minutes, 55 seconds. Freeport placed 18th, as Martin Horne was 11th individually (17:13). Yarmouth came in 22nd, as Ben Cox-Faxon finished 72nd (18:17). 

On the girls’ side, Yarmouth placed 12th out of 35 scoring teams. Maddie Marston led the way with a 50th-place showing (21:46). Freeport finished 15th, as Lily Horne was eighth individually (20:02). Greely came in 21st and was paced by Marin Provencher (18th, 20:32). 

Closer to home, Falmouth joined Deering and Westbrook at Bonny Eagle where both the boys’ and girls’ teams finished first. John Auer won the boys’ meet in 16 minutes. Sofie Matton was first on the girls’ side in 18:48.

NYA joined Lake Region at Gray-New Gloucester. The Panthers boys were third and were led by Chris Hamblett, who placed fourth individually in 19:20.20. The NYA girls didn’t score as a team. Emma Collins (seventh, 26:01.30) was the top individual.

Freeport hosts Greely, Fryeburg Academy and Old Orchard Beach Friday. The Festival of Champions meet is Saturday in Belfast.

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Golf

Falmouth’s golf team was 6-2 entering regular season-ending home matches versus Cheverus and Portland. Last week, the Yachtsmen lost, 7.5-5.5, to defending Class A champion Scarborough and downed Deering, 10-3. Tyler Baker and Spencer McKee shared team-low honors versus the Red Storm with a nine-hole round of 37. Baker (37) was the medalist against the Rams. 

Freeport improved to 6-1-1 with recent win over Fryeburg Academy (4.5-2.5) and Lake Region (7-0). Tom Robinson (37) was the medalist against the Raiders. T.J. Whelan (37) was the medalist in the win over the Lakers. The Falcons hosted defending Class B champion Cape Elizabeth Tuesday and close at Poland Thursday.

Greely was a perfect 8-0 heading into season-ending home matches against Westbrook and Thornton Academy. Last week, the Rangers beat Bonny Eagle (7.5-5.5) and Windham (13-0). Rachel Smith had a team-low 41 against the Scots. Andrew Klein (38) was the medalist in the win over the Eagles.

NYA improved to 4-4 after recent wins over Wells (6-1), Poland (6.5-0.5) and Old Orchard Beach (7-0). Reed Silvers had a team-low 45 against the Warriors. Jared Buckner (40) was the medalist in the win over the Knights and shot a 41 and was medalist versus the Seagulls. The Panthers close at Yarmouth Thursday.

Yarmouth was 4-2-1 after a 6-1 win over Lake Region and a 5-2 victory over Gray-New Gloucester. Sam O’Donnell (41) was the medalist against the Lakers. Max Then and Joe Wilson each shot 44 for team-low honors against the Patriots. The Clippers hosted St. Dom’s Tuesday and close at home versus NYA Thursday.

The SMAA team state qualifier is Monday. The WMC qualifier will be held Thursday, Oct. 4.

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


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