Northern: October arrives and the postseason nears

While the regular season still has a couple weeks to go in most fall sports, golf is about to hand out the first postseason hardware.

There is still a lot left to be determined, but certain trends are emerging.

Local teams continue to jockey for playoff positioning and some big games loom, so buckle up, the best is yet to come.

Here’s a glimpse at the week that was and what’s on tap:

Golf

The Western Maine Conference golf state qualifier was held last week and Freeport and Yarmouth finished first and second respectively to make the cut in Class B.

In Class C, North Yarmouth Academy was second to St. Dom’s and didn’t qualify, but individuals Davis Gall, Zach Leinwand, Cayne Leive, Nate Oney, Maddy Prokopius and Connor Wolverton will take part.

The Southwestern Maine Activities Association golf qualifier was held Monday, where Falmouth and Greely both qualified.

The Class B team and individual state championships will be contested Friday at Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro. The Class A and C titles will be handed out Saturday in Vassalboro.

Football

Yarmouth’s football team, the reigning eight-man, large school division champion, got a scare from visiting Mountain Valley Saturday, but held on to prevail in a wild one, 46-38, on Military Appreciation Night. The Clippers took a 30-6 lead and were ahead, 38-14, in the second half before holding on for dear life to improve to 5-0. Yarmouth was paced, as usual, by senior standout Michael McGonagle, who set a program record by rushing for a mind-boggling 503 yards and four touchdowns on 46 carries. McGonagle is averaging 334 rushing yards per game this season. Maylk Cofer had 14 tackles, Sam Bradford added a dozen tackles and Cam Boone and Rufus MacVane had 10 apiece. The Clippers (who are first in the eight-man large division South region Crabtree Points standings) host 2-3 Greely Friday (see our website for game story), then close the regular season at home versus dangerous Brunswick Oct. 13.

Greely snapped a three-game skid and improved to 2-3 with a hard-fought 28-26 overtime win at two-time reigning eight-man, large division North champion Waterville last weekend. The Rangers went up, 6-0, after one quarter on a 16-yard touchdown run from Jonah Guibord (14 rushes, 76 yards), but they trailed, 8-6, at halftime. Greely was down, 14-6, heading for the fourth period, where a Jerik Phillips 6-yard touchdown run cut the deficit to two. The Rangers then went on top, 20-14, on a 45-yard TD pass from Andrew Padgett to Ryder Simpson and a Padgett two-point conversion rush, but the Purple Panthers rallied to force overtime. There, Phillips scored on a 1-yard run and Padgett added the two-point conversion rush and while Waterville answered with a score, it couldn’t get the two-point conversion and the Rangers enjoyed a palpitating victory. Greely (third in the eight-man, large school South region) has a chance to really shake up the standings when it hosts Yarmouth Friday.

In Class D South, Freeport fell to 2-3 with its third straight setback, 24-16, at Oak Hill Saturday. The road gets no easier for the Falcons (third in the standings), who host 5-0 Oceanside Friday.

After forfeiting a game against Portland the week before, Falmouth returned to action last weekend and fell to 0-5 with a 13-0 setback at Deering. Last week, it was announced that the Navigators (who are sixth in Class B North), due to the aforementioned forfeit, will not be eligible for the postseason.

“The kids are disappointed about the playoff thing, but also looking forward to just competing and getting back on the field,” Falmouth athletic director James Coffey said. “We can still have a Senior night, Homecoming, both big events obviously.”

Boys’ soccer

Yarmouth’s boys’ soccer team, the three-time reigning Class B state champion, extended its win streak to nine after victories last week at home over Freeport (2-1, in double-overtime) and at Class A North contender Mt. Ararat (3-0) in an interclass showdown. Against the Falcons, Zach Kelly scored a first half goal which stood up until 13 minutes remained in regulation, when Freeport pulled even. The game appeared bound for a draw when Luis Cardoso won it for the Clippers with just four seconds to go in the second OT.

“The game ended after a Freeport foul in their own half gave us one last chance,” said longtime Yarmouth coach Mike Hagerty. “We put a dangerous ball in the box that was initially cleared, but then headed mistakenly back across the box by a Freeport defender and Luis left his feet for an acrobatic side-volley scissor kick into the right corner to end the game.”

In the win over the Eagles, after a scoreless first half, Cardoso, Matt Gautreau and Zacarius Binda scored second half goals. The Clippers (first in the Class B South Heal Points standings at press time) hosted NYA Tuesday and go to Freeport next Tuesday.

Greely was 6-2-1 and third in Class B South following home wins last week over Lake Region (7-0) and York (2-0). Against the Lakers, Gavin Byrne and Samuel Kim both scored twice, while Gaelen Lucey, Owen Piesik and Connor Skillin added one goal apiece. Bez Mendelsohn scored both goals and goalkeeper Landon Dominski made five saves in the win over the Wildcats. The Rangers went to York Tuesday, host Cape Elizabeth in a pivotal battle Thursday (see our website for game story) and visit Gray-New Gloucester Tuesday of next week.

Freeport was 5-2-3 and fourth in Class B South after a 2-1, double-overtime loss at Yarmouth and wins at previously unbeaten Lincoln Academy (1-0, in double-overtime) and at home over Traip Academy (2-1). Against the Clippers, Thomas Roy scored the tying goal with 13 minutes left, but the Falcons lost on a goal with just four seconds to go in the second OT. In the win over the Eagles, Cam Tourigny’s header (from Owen Rusiecki) produced the victory. Against the Rangers, Rusiecki scored on a penalty kick and Emmanuel Ekogha added a goal. Freeport was at four-time reigning Class C champion Waynflete Tuesday, visits York Thursday and plays host to Yarmouth Tuesday of next week (see our website for game story)

In Class A South, Falmouth was 4-3-2 and seventh following a 1-1 home tie against unbeaten Windham, a 4-0 setback at Scarborough and a 3-2 home victory over Biddeford last week. In the draw, Evan Mayo scored the tying goal and goalkeeper Caden Berry made eight saves. In the victory, Alex Findlay, Sam Yoon and Simon Wissink scored the goals, while Berry made four stops. The Navigators go to dangerous Kennebunk Thursday, visit Cheverus Monday (see our website for game story) and play host to Noble Tuesday of next week.

Reigning Class D champion NYA, now playing in Class C, fell to 3-6 and sixth in Class C South following losses last week at Fryeburg Academy (8-1), at Waynflete (9-1) and Monmouth Academy (7-0). Against the Raiders, Matt Powers had the Panthers’ lone goal, while Gavin Thomas stopped seven shots. NYA was at Yarmouth Tuesday, goes to Morse Friday and travels to Wells Tuesday of next week.

Girls’ soccer

North Yarmouth Academy’s Hayden Wienckowski plays the ball away from Greely’s Emma Silver during the teams’ 1-1 tie last week. Michael Hoffer / The Forecaster

On the girls’ side, NYA, the four-time reigning Class D state champion, now playing in Class C, had its 46-game unbeaten streak snapped last week, but was 6-1-2 and first in the Class C South standings at press time. Last Tuesday, the Panthers and visiting Greely settled for a 1-1 draw. Graca Bila scored in the first half and after the Rangers pulled even in the second half, NYA had some golden opportunities to win it, but Ella Giguere and Emily Robbins hit the crossbar.

“This was fun and exciting,” said Panthers coach Ricky Doyon. “I wish we took advantage of our opportunities, but soccer is a game of bounces and crossbars. Greely’s a very good Class B team. They had us at the beginning. I think we controlled the second half. Once they scored, we really played well, but we just didn’t take advantage of our opportunities.”

Last Friday, NYA hosted a rival Waynflete squad it had beaten six straight times, but there wouldn’t be a seventh. The Panthers had a chance to go ahead in the second half when they earned a penalty kick, but Giguere was stopped cold. The Flyers then scored on a rebound two minutes in the second overtime to prevail, 1-0.

“We were a little sloppy and it created an opportunity for them,” Doyon lamented. “I knew it would be competitive, knowing what we have this year and what they have. There weren’t a lot of chances. We couldn’t make that finishing pass in the final third. We’d never lost on this field since they laid the new turf down a few years ago.”

NYA had another huge home game Tuesday when it hosted reigning Class B champion Yarmouth (see our website for game story). Last year, the Panthers beat the Clippers for the first time. NYA welcomes Morse Thursday.

“I can’t wait to play (Waynflete) again and I think we’ll see them in the playoffs too,” Doyon said. “I’d rather a loss happen now. This will push the girls. (Yarmouth) will be another tough game.”

Falmouth’s Afton Mick chases after a Deering player during Monday’s 2-1 victory. Mick scored the winning goal. Michael Hoffer / The Forecaster

In Class A South, Falmouth extended its win streak to eight and improved to 8-1 and fourth after downing visiting Noble (4-1) and host Deering (2-1). Against the Knights, Josie D’Andrea and Mackenzie VerLee both scored twice. In the win over the Rams, Ella Morse scored in the first half and after Deering tied it on a penalty kick, Afton Mick scored on a rebound off a corner kick with 7:56 remaining to win it.

“It was crazy in the middle,” Mick said. “I could only see the ground, the ball came right on my foot and I just had to tap it in. It felt good.”

“Our team chemistry is amazing this year,” said senior captain Mallory Kerr, who assisted on the winning goal. “We’ve clicked so well. It feels like a big family. We’re all supportive of each other. Credit to all the girls. We pulled through at the end.”

“We’re just finding ways to win games right now,” added Falmouth’s second-year coach Ben Johnson. “Whether it’s working hard, or getting good goals. I don’t think it was very pretty today, but it worked out.”

The Navigators are home versus Sanford Wednesday and go to Thornton Academy Friday.

“I think we’re still underestimated and we take that to heart,” Kerr said. “We’ll just keep going.”

“We just need to keep our energy up,” said Mick. “Our work ethic is incredible. I’m excited to see where it takes us.”

“We have some big teams left to play,” Johnson added. “We have three games in five days, then Gorham and Scarborough again. We still have a lot of work to do. Our goal at the beginning of the year was to get at least one home playoff game.”

In Class B South, Yarmouth began the week clinging to a slight lead in the standings over Cape Elizabeth after improving to 9-1 last week with wins at Freeport (1-0) and at home over Class A North contender Mt. Ararat (3-1). Kadin Davoren scored the only goal against the Falcons, on a header with seven minutes to go. The Clippers conceded the first goal against the Eagles, but rallied thanks to second half tallies from Davoren, Taylor Oranellas and Brooke Boone. Yarmouth was at NYA Tuesday and hosts Freeport Tuesday of next week.

Freeport was 6-2-3 and third in the region following a 1-0 loss to visiting Yarmouth and victories at Morse (2-0) and at home over Lincoln Academy (2-1, in overtime). Goalkeeper Amanda Panciocco stopped 10 shots in the loss to the Clippers. Against the Shipbuilders, the game was scoreless until 17:20 remained, when Sadie Grogan broke the ice. Braelynn Coons added the second goal.

“We were all just a little tired from Yarmouth and it took us a while to pick up the pace and put one in,” Grogan said.

“As a coach, you say, ‘I think we’re jinxed,” said Falcons coach Dave Intraversato. “‘We’re getting all these shots and we can’t put the ball in the net, but the kids stepped up and we got a win.”

Against the Eagles, Freeport trailed until the 66th minute, when Kenzie Cochran set up Lana DiRusso for the tying tally. In overtime, Cochran played the hero, heading home Rosie Panenka’s corner kick.

“In typical Freeport fashion, we out-shot the opponent, 21-4, and it was 12-0 in corners, but we had to win a nail-biter,” said Intraversato.

The Falcons host York Thursday and go to Yarmouth Tuesday of next week.

Greely was 4-3-2 and fifth in Class B South after a 1-1 tie at NYA and a 2-1 setback at York. Against the Panthers, the Rangers trailed until Shaylee O’Grady’s late goal forged a deadlock.

“Shaylee has a great shot from the outside,” said Rangers coach Rachel Williams. “We love when she gets an opportunity. We want her to get them more often. When we possess the ball, I feel like we’re one of the best teams in the league, but when we play as individuals, we’re not.”

Abby Lennox scored at the Wildcats, but the hosts scored as time expired to hand Greely an agonizing loss. The Rangers return to action Thursday at Cape Elizabeth. Greely gets another shot at York Saturday at home, then welcomes Gray-New Gloucester Tuesday of next week.

“We have a young crew,” Williams said. “We just have to increase our chances and find the back of the net more.”

Field hockey

Freeport’s Lilia Collard fights for possession during last week’s home loss to York. Brianna Soukup / Portland Press Herald

Yarmouth’s field hockey team remained unbeaten as the week began and was ranked first in the Class B South Heal Points standings at 9-0 following a 6-1 victory at Gray-New Gloucester and a 2-0 home win over Class A contender Brunswick. Against the Patriots, Sophie Smith continued her assault on rival defenses with three goals, Erica O’Connor added two goals and Chloe Wright also scored. In the win over the Dragons, Smith and Madison Wiles rattled the cage. The Clippers’ quest to remain undefeated will be tested big-time when they go to perennial powerhouse York Wednesday. Yarmouth visits another Class A foe, Edward Little, Saturday, then travels to Fryeburg Academy Tuesday of next week.

Freeport was 6-3-1 and second behind Yarmouth after a 2-1 home loss to York, a 2-2 home tie versus Mt. Ararat and Monday’s 2-0 setback at Class B North power Leavitt. The Falcons were riding a six-game win streak entering the game against the Wildcats, but gave up two second half goals and a late rebound tally from Emily Groves wasn’t enough as Freeport’s three-game win streak in the series was snapped.

“You can’t ever underestimate York. Ever,” said Freeport coach Marcia Wood. “It’s disappointing. Lesson learned.”

Reed Proscia and Sophie Bradford scored against the Eagles, a top Class A North contender, but Mt. Ararat tied it late in regulation and the teams split Heal Points. The Falcons look to bounce back Wednesday at home versus Greely (see our website for game story) and visit Gray-New Gloucester Tuesday of next week.

Greely was 4-5 and seventh in Class B South after a 4-2 loss at Cape Elizabeth and a 1-0 win at Lake Region last week. Maya Tracey had both goals in the setback. In the victory, Tracey scored the lone goal, from Lauren Hazard. The Rangers go to Freeport Wednesday, host Cape Elizabeth Saturday and visit Poland Tuesday of next week.

In Class A South, Falmouth was 6-2 and fourth following a 2-1 overtime loss at Marshwood and a 3-0 home victory over Massabesic. Against the Hawks, the Navigators allowed the tying goal late in regulation before falling in OT. In the win, Allie Sweetser scored twice and Ani Bush also rattled the cage. Valerie Rand had two assists. The Navigators welcome Bonny Eagle Thursday, go to Portland/Deering Friday and host reigning regional champion Cheverus Monday (see our website for game story).

Volleyball

Falmouth’s volleyball team was 6-2 and fifth in the Class B statewide Heals after having a five-match win streak snapped with a five-set (25-19, 21-25, 26-24, 12-25, 9-15) home loss to reigning Class A champion Biddeford last week. Rhyse Sholl had 14 assists, Hannah Roche added 12 assists and Erin Andrews had eight kills. The Navigators were at Cheverus Tuesday, go to Deering Thursday and welcome Gorham Tuesday of next week.

Four-time Class B champion Yarmouth was 4-3 and sixth in Class B after 3-0 wins at Greely and York. The Clippers hosted Scarborough Tuesday (see our website for story), welcome York Saturday and visit Gray-New Gloucester Tuesday of next week.

Greely was 5-3 and eighth in Class B following a 3-0 home loss to Yarmouth and a 3-0 victory (25-6, 25-10, 25-14) at NYA. After hosting Cape Elizabeth Tuesday, the Rangers welcome Lake Region next Tuesday.

In Class C, NYA was 1-8 and ninth after 3-0 losses at Wells and at home to Greely (6-25, 10-25, 14-25)

Cross country

Local runners took part in the Festival of Champions in Belfast Saturday.

Freeport’s boys placed fifth out of 75 scoring teams (E.O. Smith of Connecticut was first). Alex Gilbert paced the Falcons individually with a 17th-place finish (16 minutes, 25.94 seconds). Greely finished 17th and was led by William Coull (13th, 16:17.69). Yarmouth placed 24th. Nathan Pires finished 110th (17:49.82). Falmouth was 36th as a team. Christopher Jaynes finished 156th (18:10.08). Maine Coast Waldorf didn’t score as a team. Quinn Chessa led the team with a time of 19:47.87. NYA didn’t score as a team. Chris Noreika led the Panthers with a time of 20:11.78.

In the girls’ meet, won by Cumberland High School of Rhode Island, Falmouth’s was eighth out of 61 scoring team. Maeve Ginevan led the Navigators with a 50th-place finish (20:39.51). Greely came in 11th and featured Rowan Barry (24th, 19:56.69). Freeport placed 13th and was paced by Lucy Huggett (26th, 20:01.89). Yarmouth finished 14th and was led by Chloe Bibula (38th, 20:21.92). MCW was 23rd and featured fourth-place individual Soren Stark-Chessa (18:11.35). NYA came in 47th. Daicey Spiers was 117th (22:02.03).

Press Herald staff writers Steve Craig and Travis Lazarczyk contributed to this story.