Ben Ekedahl and the Cape Elizabeth football team enjoyed a superb season in 2016, reaching the Class C South Final.
Lydia Henderson and the South Portland field hockey team got to the playoffs this fall.
Kacey Foerster and the Scarborough volleyball team fell just short in its quest for a repeat Class A championship.
Another triumphant fall sports season has come and gone.
The weather was pleasant and local teams provided plenty of thrills.
Football was played at a high level in Forecaster Country this fall, as both Cape Elizabeth and Scarborough got to the regional final before bowing out.
On the pitch, Scarborough’s girls reached the regional final before losing to Gorham. Cape Elizabeth made it to the semifinals and Greater Portland Christian School made a late run to reach the postseason. On the boys’ side, Scarborough made it to the semifinals, while Cape Elizabeth and South Portland were quarterfinalists.
Scarborough’s field hockey team enjoyed another stellar season, reaching the semifinals, while Cape Elizabeth and South Portland got to the playoffs after falling short in 2015.
Scarborough’s volleyball team wasn’t able to repeat as Class A champion, but the Red Storm did return to the state match. Cape Elizabeth and South Portland both made the playoffs.
Many local runners had strong cross country seasons.
Golf saw more excellence from Cape Elizabeth and Scarborough.
There indeed was plenty of excitement since early September. Before we turn our attention to winter sports, here’s one last look at a fun and fabulous fall.
Michael’s top five stories
5) Triumphant soccer season
There were a lot of memories made on the pitch this spring. In Class A South, Scarborough’s girls got to the regional final, but lost to Gorham. Cape Elizabeth, despite a valiant effort, lost to eventual champion Yarmouth in the Class B South semifinals. Greater Portland Christian School surged late in the season to get to the Class D South quarterfinals, where it lost to Buckfield. On the boys’ side, Scarborough ended South Portland’s run in the quarterfinals, then lost at eventual regional champion Gorham in the semifinals. Cape Elizabeth had a terrific regular season but was upset by Greely in the Class B quarterfinals.
4) Cape Elizabeth field hockey returns to contention
In 2015, Cape Elizabeth’s field hockey team didn’t win a single game. This fall, the Capers won five times, twice in overtime, and made it to the playoffs. While Cape Elizabeth lost to Freeport in the Class B preliminary round, the program is back on track and more success figures to follow.
3) Scarborough volleyball returns to states
Scarborough’s volleyball team started its quest for a repeat with a three-set loss to Greely. The Red Storm then won 16 straight matches to return to the Class A Final. There, Scarborough met Greely again and while it wasn’t swept, Scarborough couldn’t stop the Rangers Express and lost in four sets. The Red Storm figure to return again and more titles await.
2) Cape Elizabeth football perfect for 10 weeks
Cape Elizabeth’s football team lit up the scoreboard this fall, dominating their first seven foes. In the regular season finale, the Capers went to rival Wells, built an early 13-0 lead, then held on in a deluge to win, 13-7, and lock up the top seed in Class C South. Cape Elizabeth continued its dominance by handling Poland and Spruce Mountain in the first two rounds of the playoffs. That set up a rematch with Wells, at home, in the regional final, but this time, the Capers couldn’t get their offense in gear and they suffered a painful 27-14 defeat. Regardless, it was another stellar season for one of the state’s most consistent programs.
1) Scarborough football shocks the world
Scarborough’s football team entered the season considered to be a distant third behind two-time defending champion Thornton Academy and preseason favorite Bonny Eagle in Class A South. It took all of one game for the Red Storm to change that perception as they went to defending Class A North champion Portland and sprung an upset. Scarborough lost home decisions to the Scots and Golden Trojans, but hung tough in both games and after knocking off Sanford in the Class A South quarterfinals, went to Thornton Academy for the semifinals. The Red Storm then stunned everyone outside of their locker room, putting up 36 points and holding on for a seven-point victory. Scarborough finally met its match at eventual champion Bonny Eagle in the regional final, but with almost everyone returning in 2017, don’t be surprised if the Red Storm finish the job.
Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @foresports.
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