FOOTBALL

Coach: John Fitzsimmons (ninth year, 40-34 overall record)

2014 record: 8-2 (Lost, 34-19, to York in Western B semifinals)

Top returning players: Connor Aube (Senior), Drew Chamberlain (Senior), Patrick Dancoes (Senior), George Gilbert (Senior), Logan Herodes (Senior), Zach Muller (Senior), Austin Wheeler (Senior), Nick Wissemann (Senior), Trey Fallon (Junior), Brandon Martin (Junior), Noah Barney (Sophomore)

Pivotal games: Sept. 4 YORK, Sept. 11 @ Westbrook, Sept. 18 BIDDEFORD, Oct. 2 LEAVITT, Oct. 16 @ Marshwood, Oct. 23 @ Greely

Coach’s comment: “I’m very pleased so far. We’re playing at a very high level. It’s a big, strong, veteran team. We return eight starters on offense and defense. We’re solid on both sides of the ball. We have a big, talented line. Jack Bryant, our new quarterback, has experienced people around him. He’ll be a veteran by the time we’re through. We’re in a very tough region, but I’m thrilled we have a tough schedule. I have complete confidence we’re playoff bound.”

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The Forecaster’s forecast: Falmouth is coming off its best season to date and while some key players departed, this year’s squad should be very strong again. The problem is the Yachtsmen reside in arguably the most difficult region in the state, Southern Class B.

Last year’s offense was explosive, producing 40-plus points in seven of 10 games. While all-star quarterback Noah Nelson has departed, there are plenty of standouts in reserve, suggesting Falmouth will light up the scoreboard again. Bryant is now the man under center and he’ll probably do a lot of handing off, at least early in the season, for good reason. That’s because Aube, a first-team league all-star in 2014, is one of the state’s special running backs. He’s quick, tough and hard to slow, not to mention tackle, and he will also see some time running the “Wildcat” at quarterback this season. Gilbert and Wissemann will get carries as well. When Bryant looks to pass, he’ll zero in on Wheeler (a first-team all-star last autumn) and junior Brock Welch. The Yachtsmen’s line is huge. Falmouth will tower over many of its foes thanks to the imposing Fallon (6-foot-4, 290 pounds), Herodes (6-4, 270), Barney (6-2, 220), the “runt,” Muller (5-11, 285), and first-team all-star Chamberlain (6-0, 285). Dancoes will also serve time in the trenches. Good luck trying to slow this offense.

On defense, Falmouth looks to be just as impressive. Take away the two York losses last fall and the Yachtsmen surrendered just 65 points in eight games. Up front, Barney, Chamberlain, Dancoes, Herodes and junior Orlando Simmonds will prove formidable. Martin and Wissemann are top linebackers. The secondary is led by Aube, Gilbert and Wheeler. 

Falmouth has a chance to erase the ghosts of 2014 when it welcomes York in the opener Friday. The Yachtsmen have several tough teams on their slate, but have the firepower to contend with everyone. Falmouth figures to make it three straight playoff trips for the first time in program history, but just getting to the postseason isn’t the goal. The Yachtsmen expect to advance even deeper than a year ago. Don’t bet against them.

BOYS’ SOCCER

Coach: Dave Halligan (29th year, 334-88-42 overall record, 11 state championships)

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2014 record: 11-2-2 (Lost, 2-1, to eventual champion Cheverus in Western A quarterfinal) 

Top returning players: Nigel Dunn (Senior), Jack Engelberger (Senior), Jesse Melchiskey (Senior), Nick Sanzari (Senior), Greyson Cohen (Junior), John Mullin (Junior), Matt Polewaczyk (Junior), Jonah Spiegel (Junior), Ben Wuesthoff (Sophomore)

Pivotal games: Sept. 10 @ Greely, Sept. 15 WAYNFLETE, Sept. 17 CAPE ELIZABETH, Sept. 29 GREELY, Oct. 3 @ Yarmouth, Oct. 6 @ Cape Elizabeth, Oct. 20 YARMOUTH

Coach’s comment: “We’re making progress. We have good young players and probably a little more depth this year. In past years, we had a key scorer. This year, we’ll be balanced. No one star, but we’ll play well as a team. I’m excited about our potential. I want to make a run in the Class A playoffs. The seniors were on a state championship team as freshmen. They’d like to end their careers the same way they started.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Falmouth was unbeaten entering its regular season finale last season, then lost at home to Yarmouth and were upset, losing by a goal to eventual state champion Cheverus in the playoffs. The Yachtsmen have fallen short of a state title in consecutive years. The last time the program went three straight seasons without a Gold Ball was two decades ago, which means that this squad is due, even though the obstacles are numerous.

Falmouth is well equipped to take on a brutal schedule. The offense will miss All-State selection Luke Velas, who was dangerous all over the field, but there are others who can step up. The top goal scorer could be the bicycle kicker himself, Wuesthoff, who will get help from Dunn, Mullin, Polewazyk and Spiegel (a second-team league all-star last year) Juniors Olin Rhodes and Michael Sanzari, along with junior Schuyler Parkinson, a transfer from Gould Academy, will also look to score. Cohen and Engelberger are top returning defenders. Look for junior Devin Russell to play a bigger role on that side of the ball this fall. Nick Sanzari can do a little of everything. Look for Halligan to employ him all over the field. Melchiskey is back for a second year in goal. He was solid in his debut, earning second-team all-star mention. Melchiskey is athletic and talented and will frustrate the opposition. 

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Falmouth has to deal with defending Class B champion Yarmouth twice and rivals Cape Elizabeth and Greely twice. The Yachtsmen will also have to contend with Southern C power Waynflete. There will be some hiccups and it’s possible that Falmouth’s record won’t be as good as last year’s team, but this time around, look for the Yachtsmen to make a much deeper postseason run. Anyone ruling out a championship could be in for a surprise come the first Saturday in November.

GIRLS’ SOCCER

Coach: Andrew Pelletier (third year, 19-10-3 overall record)

2014 record: 7-7-2 (Lost, 6-0, to Scarborough in Western A quarterfinals) 

Top returning players: Hannah Donovan (Senior), Emma England (Senior), Marcy Kittredge (Senior), Tyler Spence (Senior), Adelaide Cooke (Junior), Lucy Mahoney (Junior), Amelia Waite (Sophomore)

Pivotal games: Sept. 11 GREELY, Sept. 15 @ Waynflete, Sept. 18 @ Cape Elizabeth, Sept. 22 YORK, Sept. 29 @ Greely, Oct. 3 @ Yarmouth, Oct. 6 CAPE ELIZABETH, Oct. 8 @ York, Oct. 20 YARMOUTH

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Coach’s comment: “We didn’t graduate too much. We bring back 10 starters and four girls who came off the bench. We have a very tough regular season schedule. I think there are some great teams in Class B. Maybe the best balance I’ve seen. If we can get out of the regular season healthy, I don’t care about our seed for the playoffs, I think we can be a sleeper. We’re excited. This group is playing very well and has potential.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Expect the Yachtsmen to be much more of a factor this fall, both in the regular season and in the Class A playoffs. Falmouth returns a lot of talent and this squad (especially the seniors) is hungry.

Spence will spark the offense this fall. The All-State selection a year ago is a dangerous playmaker and finisher. Waite will do her share of scoring too and Donovan and Mahoney (a league all-star in 2014) will also be heard from. Senior Alex Shapiro and freshmen Sydney Williams and Madison Wolf add depth. On defense, England (another all-conference selection last fall), Kittridge and senior Annie Holland will help hold the fort in front of Cooke, who is back for a third season in goal. 

Falmouth has played varsity girls’ soccer since 1990 and has never gone three successive seasons without winning a championship. After falling short its first two seasons in Class A, the Yachtsmen look to get back to their accustomed spot at the top of the heap. This is an impressive roster. If the Yachtsmen can develop consistent scoring from other players besides Spence, they’ll be a difficult match up for anyone. Despite a very challenging schedule, expect improvement on last year’s record and longer playoff stay.

FIELD HOCKEY

Coach: Robin Haley (21st year, 175-116-18 overall record)

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2014 record: 11-5 (Lost, 2-1, to Thornton Academy in Western Class A quarterfinals)

Top returning players: Sarah Dobbins (Senior), Kuenjoo Kim (Senior), Noelle Kinney (Senior), Sydney Bell (Junior), Kate Kelley (Junior), Maddie Rouhana (Junior), Devin Sarazin (Junior)

Pivotal games: Sept. 3 @ Cape Elizabeth, Sept. 8 @ York, Sept. 10 GREELY, Sept. 16 NYA, Sept. 18 @ Lake Region, Sept. 26 YARMOUTH, Sept. 30 CAPE ELIZABETH, Oct. 9 @ Yarmouth

Coach’s comment: “We graduated good players, but a number of girls have stepped in nicely. I’m optimistic. We have a good blend of experience and new players. We’ve gained confidence. We have a fire in our belly after that tough playoff loss last year. Our goal is to keep getting better each day. We hope to take it a little bit further this year. Our hope is to get a higher seed.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Falmouth enjoyed yet another successful season in 2014, but the Yachtsmen haven’t gotten over their agonizing playoff loss. Even though Falmouth graduated reigning Fall Female Athlete of the Year Elle Fitzgerald, this year’s squad is loaded for bear.

Helping fill the void created by Fitzgerald’s departure will be the singular talent known as “Syd the Kid.” Bell, a first-team league all-star in 2014, can leave defenders in her wake and finish scoring opportunities. She turned heads as a freshman and sophomore and will do great things again in 2015. Kim is a seasoned veteran who doesn’t get the credit she deserves. She’s another offensive threat. Kelley stepped up big time in the playoffs and should continue to produce. Rouhana looks to score her share of goals. Dobbins and Sarazin provide offensive depth. Junior newcomers Bella Libby and Lisa Smoluk are newcomers to watch. On defense, Budri and Kinney are top returners. They’re joined by tenacious junior Olivia Stucker. Senior Elizabeth Amadei replaces all-star Caroline Dyhrberg in goal. 

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Falmouth has to navigate a very challenging regular season schedule, then will likely have to win some games on the road in the Southern Class A playoffs. The Yachtsmen have the pieces in place to make it 19 straight trips to the postseason, but this time around, they expect to make it beyond the quarterfinals. This is a squad to watch. One capable of doing great things from start to finish.

VOLLEYBALL

Coach: Molly Northway (first year)

2014 results: 13-4 (Lost, 3-2, to Cape Elizabeth in Class A state match

Top returning players: Lydia Farmer (Senior), Julia Treadwell (Senior), Madi Tait (Junior)

Pivotal matches: Sept. 4 GREELY, Sept. 15 @ Gorham, Sept. 17 CAPE ELIZABETH, Sept. 22 @ Scarborough, Oct. 1 @ Greely, Oct. 8 YARMOUTH, Oct. 13 @ Cape Elizabeth, Oct. 15 SCARBOROUGH

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Coach’s comment: “I was instantly impressed with the passion and drive from each player during our preseason camp. Players who were quiet and hesitant last year are now diving for balls on the floor and/or crushing balls at the net. Receiving the award of state runner-up last year was not good enough for these girls. They want another state title for the books. I’m excited for a new season with a fantastic group of girls.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: After winning the state title for the first time in 2013, Falmouth was one game away from a repeat title last year, only to see Cape Elizabeth rally and steal the crown away. This fall, the Yachtsmen have a new coach in Northway, who served as Gary Powers’ assistant for three years and was a member of Greely’s juggernaut as a player. She inherits a team that was hard-hit by graduation, but one that still has the pieces in place to be among the best in Class A.

Farmer and Treadwell will be forces at the net. Both girls have seen ample time playing on championship caliber squads. Tait will be the libero. Junior Amanda Watson will look to help fill the void at setter created by the graduation of All-State standout Megan Tammaro. Junior Malia White (opposite) and sophomore Alison Noyes (middle hitter) are other newcomers to watch. 

Falmouth might need a few weeks to hit its stride, but as the season progresses, this team could be as good as anyone. A daunting schedule will produce some speed bumps, but the Yachtsmen will be a team that no one wants to meet in the postseason. Another deep playoff run appears imminent.

CROSS COUNTRY

Co-coaches: Jorma Kurry and Danny Paul (12th year, one state championship)

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2014 results:
(Boys) 2nd @ Class A state meet (regional champion)
(Girls) 5th @ Class A state meet 

Top returners:
(Boys) Josh Simensky (Senior), Sean Soucy (Senior), Adam Meyer (Junior), Ben Wyman (Junior), Conner Piers (Sophomore)
(Girls) Alexa Hoffman (Senior), Vishva Nalamalapu (Senior), Gina Pardi (Senior), Kaileigh Wimert (Senior), Maddy Adams (Junior), Hannah Berzinis (Junior), Paige Chamberlain (Junior), Mira Wyman (Junior)

Top foes: Freeport, Greely, York boys; Cape Elizabeth, Greely, Yarmouth girls

Coach Kurry’s comment: “The boys’ team graduated a strong and deep class, but we have several strong returners, some young runners who put in a good summer and some newcomers who will help us stay strong. Josh and Sean provide great experience in big meets and Ben and Conner come in fit and ready to move up the ladder. Jeremiah (Sands) had a breakout track season and John (Auer) was a very strong runner in middle school. While we’re not as deep as we were last year, if the boys stay healthy and train consistently, we expect to continue to compete at the highest level.

“The girls return a very strong group from last year and add some competitive new runners as well. Led by Mira, the returning crew put in a good summer of training. Gina and Hannah are coming off very strong track seasons. Alexa, Vishva, Kaileigh and Paige provide big meet experience. Several newcomers provide some exciting potential. Malaika Pasch has been a very competitive runner in middle school and USATF track. Krysia Lesniak brings experience as a highly competitive Alpine skier and Riley Finley has looked strong so far in practice. We are excited for a competitive season and a chance to race a challenging schedule in the WMC as well as at regionals and states.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: After a very successful 2014, Falmouth’s cross country teams will again take aim at the top of Class A this fall.

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The boys have some holes to fill, but there is plenty of talent on this roster. Bryce Murdick, second at last year’s state meet, as well as Spencer Brown (21st) and Scott Lambert (24th) have departed, but Soucy (15th last season) and Simensky (25th) are back. They’re joined by Meyer, Piers and Wyman. Junior Jeremiah Sands and freshman John Auer are new runners to watch. Look for the Yachtsmen to develop a solid pack as the season progresses. Falmouth hasn’t finished lower than sixth at states in the Kurry/Paul Era and the Yachtsmen will be one of the top finishers at both regionals and states once again this fall.

On the girls’ side, four of five state meet scorers are back. Wyman (18th), Berzinis (24th), Pardi (35th) and Chamberlain (42nd) are just the start. Other runners to watch include Wimert and Nalamalapu, who both ran at states a year ago but didn’t score. Adams and Hoffman also return. A trio of newcomers, senior Krysia Lesniak, junior Riley Finley and freshman Malaika Pasch, provide depth. Falmouth should once again be in the hunt for a top showing at regionals and a third straight top five finish at the Class A state meet.

GOLF

Coach: John Mullen (second year)

2014 results: 8-2 (3rd @ Class A state match)

Top returning players: Matt Barnard (Senior), Jack O’Donoghue (Senior), Alex Whitmore (Senior), Dex Dremann (Junior), Jack Hepburn (Junior), Reed Lonsdale (Junior), Matt Adamowicz (Sophomore), Riley Lonsdale (Sophomore)

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Top foes: Cheverus, Scarborough

Coach’s comment: “I’m very excited about our team this season. We have a lot of high character players who spent the summer working hard on improving their games. We should be very competitive in the league with the goal of making it to states.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Falmouth lost only to Scarborough during the regular year and fell just short of a repeat state title last season, by a mere two strokes. There’s ample reason to believe that the Yachtsmen can return to the pinnacle this fall. 

Falmouth returns Whitmore, who was a second-team All-Conference selection in 2014 with a 41 stroke average. He shot 78 at the state match. Reed Lonsdale (43 stroke average, 84 at states) and Riley Lonsdale (45 stroke average, 89 at states) have also played key roles in the past. They’re joined by returners Adamowicz, Barnard, Dremann, Hepburn and O’Donoghue and new senior Hogan Tracy and sophomores Charlie Emple and Louis Mainella. 

The Yachtsmen have to contend with the likes of Scarborough and Cheverus during the regular season, but have what it takes to get to the state match yet again. Don’t be surprised if Falmouth finds a way to find itself back in the top spot when all is said and done.

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

Senior Connor Aube will make life miserable for the opposition in the weeks to come.

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The imposing form of Drew Chamberlain will anchor Falmouth’s line this season.

Austin Wheeler is back for his senior season and will be a top receiving threat.

Senior Nick Wissemann will see his share of carries this fall.

Senior Jack Engelberger is a top returner for Falmouth’s defense.

Senior Jesse Melchiskey will be in goal for the Yachtsmen.

Senior Hannah Donovan will be a key cog on defense for the Yachtsmen.

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Senior Emma England will be one of Falmouth’s top players this season.

Senior Marcy Kittredge is a returning captain.

Junior Lucy Mahoney will make her presence felt all over the field.

Senior Tyler Spence has been a standout since her freshman year and is hoping to lead the Yachtsmen to a state title in her final season.

Junior Kate Kelley has scored some big goals in the past and hopes to add more this season.

Senior Keunjoo Kim will be a key leader this year.

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Junior Maddie Rouhana will be a force all over the field.

Junior Devin Sarazin is another key returner.

Senior Lydia Farmer is a top returner for a Falmouth volleyball team which has reached the state final two years running.

Senior Julia Treadwell will be a force at the net this autumn.

Junior Antoinette Lambert will be a top runner this fall.

Senior Vishva Nalamalapu is back for her senior season and will be at the front of the Yachtsmen’s pack.

Junior Mira Wyman is another runner to watch this fall.

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Dynamic junior Sydney Bell will pace what figures to be a very competitive Falmouth field hockey team this fall.


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