FOOTBALL

Coach: Lance Johnson (sixth year, 29-20 overall record)

2014 record: 5-5 (Lost, 50-20, to eventual state champion Thornton Academy in Western A semifinal)

Top returners: Jake Gardner (Senior), Mahlon Glidden (Senior), Jack Hughes (Senior), Griffin Madden (Senior), Josh Reed (Senior), Kyle Russo (Senior), Wyatt Tanner (Senior), Matt Cook (Junior), Aren Dickman (Junior), Drew LeClair (Junior), Anthony Simoneau (Junior)

Pivotal games: Sept. 4 PORTLAND, Sept. 11 @ Bonny Eagle, Sept. 25 SANFORD, Oct. 3 @ TA, Oct. 9 SOUTH PORTLAND, Oct. 17 @ Cheverus, Oct. 23 DEERING

Coach’s comment: “We have seven offensive starters and eight defensive starters back. They played a lot as sophomores and juniors. We have great seniors who work really hard. We’ll be spreading the offense, mostly three wide receivers and a big tight end. We have a lot of experience and athleticism. We’re bigger than we have been up front. We have work to do, but we could be pretty good. We’re part of the pack after TA. We’d like to go farther this year.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Scarborough has quietly become one of the most consistent teams in Class A, having now qualified for the playoffs in five straight years and reaching the semifinals on four of those occasions, including each of the past two years. After overcoming an 0-4 start a year ago to win five straight and advance to the semifinals, this fall, the Red Storm are hoping to win consistently, reach the regional and state finals for the first time in Class A and while they’re stuck in the same region as juggernaut/defending champion Thornton Academy, they have what it takes to make a name for themselves well into November.

Hughes is back under center. He threw for over 2,000 yards and 23 touchdowns and ran for over 700 more yards a year ago as he more than adequately filled Ben Greenberg’s shoes. He’ll direct what should once again be a very potent offense. Madden projects to be Hughes’ most frequent passing target. Madden, who boasts the kind of speed that allows him to break away from defensive backs, caught 20 balls for 500 yards in 2014. Gardner, a 6-foot-6-inch tight end, is another obvious target. He also had 20 receptions last fall. Tanner, junior Tim Carion and sophomore Connor Kelley will also help the Red Storm stretch the field. On the ground, Dickman and LeClair will see the lions’ share of carries. The line is anchored by Glidden, Reed and junior Dakota Joy. Tanner and junior Emmitt Peoples will handle the placekicking.

Defensively, Scarborough needs to improve upon the 32.5 points per game it surrendered in 2014. Up front, Gardner, Glidden, Joy and Reed will be tough to move. The linebacking corps is led by Dickman. In the secondary, the Red Storm boast Cook, Griffin, Hughes, LeClair, Russo and Simoneau. This team has athletes who can frustrate the opposition.

Coaches often claim that there are no easy wins on the schedule, but in this case, it’s not stretching the truth. Southern Class A is loaded and the Red Storm will have to bring their ‘A’ game every single week. Scarborough knows the importance of getting off to a good start. An 0-4 record this fall would prove fatal. This group has what it takes to continue to move the Red Storm’s football program forward. If all goes well, Scarborough might wind up being the team best equipped to dethrone the champions.

BOYS’ SOCCER

Coach: Mark Diaz (17th year, 217-38-14 overall record, six state championships)

2014 record: 15-1-1 (Lost, 3-2, in 2 OTs, to eventual state champion Cheverus in Western A Final)

Top returners: Matt Caron (Senior), Sam Jacob (Senior), Jake Kacer (Senior), Nick Lorello (Senior), Josh Morrissey (Senior), Andrew Porada (Senior), Garrett King (Junior), Noah Stracqualursi (Junior)

Pivotal games: Sept. 7 @ Deering, Sept. 15 @ Gorham, Sept. 17 SOUTH PORTLAND, Sept. 29 CHEVERUS, Oct. 1 PORTLAND, Oct. 8 TA

Coach’s comment: “We have seven guys back. Having three of our backs back this year is important with a new goalie. We’re mixing guys in. We’re working on the midfield. I think we’ll score goals by committee. It’s coming along. We’re getting better. The league’s going to be super tough, but the guys are pretty fired up. We’re working hard to get a shot at it. We’re excited. It’s a great group.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Last year was more of the same for the Red Storm in almost every way. Scarborough went undefeated in the regular season for the seventh time in 11 years, earned the top seed in Western A for the 10th time in 11 years and got to the regional final for the 10th time in 12 seasons, but shockingly, the Red Storm let a late lead slip away and were stunned by Cinderella Cheverus in double overtime of the Western A Final, preventing what could have been a third straight championship. Once again, Scarborough graduated some terrific players, including All-State selections Ian Corey and Sam Ware, but as always, the Red Storm have plenty of talent in reserve and this powerhouse will make yet another run at the top.

This year’s squad will look to Caron (an SMAA second-team all-star in 2014), Kacer, King, Morrissey and Stracqualursi to do the majority of the scoring. Balance is usually Scarborough’s approach on offense and this fall, the Red Storm have many options. Opposing defenses won’t be able to focus on just one scorer. The defense, which surrendered just seven goals last fall (only three in the regular season), features Jacob, Lorello and Porada in front of senior Cam Nigro or junior Chris Franklin, who were vying for the starting goalkeeper spot at press time.

The region keeps getting tougher, so Scarborough will have to come to play every night. There are a lot of teams that can really push the Red Storm and even beat them, but this group figures to once again win the vast majority of their games and be in position to make a serious run at a state title. The sting of last year remains and this year’s seniors know it’s now or never. There’s a pretty good chance now will eclipse never and Scarborough will be the team everyone’s talking about again in November.

GIRLS’ SOCCER

Coach: Mike Farley (11th year, 132-21-11 overall record, two state championships)

2014 record: 14-2-1 (Lost, 2-1, to eventual state champion Windham in Western A Final)

Top returners: Aly Atherton (Senior), Maddie Chen (Senior), Mary Farnkoff (Senior), Molly LeComte (Senior), Bryce Nitchman (Senior), Elise O’Reilly (Senior), Emma Smith (Senior), Ashley Perriello (Junior), Gabriella Panagakos (Sophomore)

Pivotal games: Sept. 5 DEERING, Sept. 9 @ Sanford, Sept. 15 GORHAM, Oct. 9 @ TA, Oct. 20 WINDHAM

Coach’s comment: “We didn’t lose many players to graduation, but the losses really hurt. We not only have to replace their playing ability, but also the leadership they provided. I’ve been very impressed the way this year’s team has approached the summer and preseason. This may be the most fit team I’ve ever coached. We have a number of returning starters and role players from last year who have improved greatly and must take leadership roles on this year’s team. We need players who have been in supporting roles to jump out and become stars. We’ll have veteran players on defense, which is reassuring to me as a coach, and we’ll have youth and speed in some of our attacking positions. I’m excited for the possibilities. The mix of experience on defense and veteran playmakers through the midfield, paired with youth and aggressiveness up front, will hopefully make us one of the top teams in the SMAA again. We hope to start the season with a consistent level of play and try to be our best come playoff time. I know this team will embrace the pressure the big games will bring and will really try to challenge the top teams in the league.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Scarborough might have been the second best team in Class A a year ago, but the Red Storm couldn’t hold a lead against eventual repeat champion Windham in the regional final and fell a goal shy of a trip to the state game. While graduation did take some key players, Scarborough appears very strong again as a new season dawns. The Red Storm have athletes, experience and are hungry to end Windham’s reign and return to the pinnacle.

This year’s offense has plenty of threats. Perriello (an honorable mention all-star last season) scored 12 goals and added six assists a year ago. She’s been a natural scorer since suiting up as a freshman and will be the focal point of opposing defenses. Chen scored seven goals and added a pair of assists in 2014. She was at her best in the biggest games, scoring twice against Marshwood in the playoffs and also tickling the twine in a postseason win over Falmouth. This season, Chen replaces All-Stater Ashley Gleason as the team’s top playmaker. Look for Chen to improve on her assist total. Panagakos scored four times and had three assists as a freshman. Look for those numbers to increase. Juniors Natalie Russell and Jillian Ware and sophomore Lauren Sabatino will quickly make a name for themselves thanks to their ability to make things happen in the open field and their finishing touch. Scarborough will be loaded again on defense. After surrendering just 11 goals in 16 games in 2014, the Red Storm will turn to Atherton, Farnkoff (honorable mention last fall) Nitchman, O’Reilly and Smith (another honorable mention selection last season) to frustrate the opposition. LeComte is the last line of defense. She’ll be spelled at times by junior Erin Ryan, sophomore Lindsey Kelley and sophomore Emily Royce, a transfer from Vermont.

It all adds up to what should be a seventh straight 10-plus win season, a 19th consecutive playoff berth and another deep postseason run. If this group stays hungry and healthy, they’ll be right there at the end and could return a Gold Ball to Scarborough for the first time since 2012.

FIELD HOCKEY

Coach: Kerry Mariello 14th year, 161-45-6 overall record, two state championships)

2014 record: 18-0 (Beat Skowhegan, 1-0, to win Class A state championship)

Top returners: Grace Bailer (Senior), Katie Coombs (Senior), Emma Hall (Senior), Alyssa Souza (Senior), Ashley Levesque (Junior), Kristen Levesque (Junior), Lily Nygren (Junior)

Pivotal games: Sept. 2 @ Marshwood, Sept. 5 MASSABESIC, Sept. 11 GORHAM, Sept. 16 CHEVERUS, Sept. 24 @ TA, Sept. 28 WESTBROOK, Oct. 8 @ Sanford

Coach’s comment: “We lost seven, including four All-State players. Their talent and leadership will be tough to replace. Scoring is the big question mark. It could be balanced. We have the ability, it’s just getting it done. We do have some young talent eager to show their stuff and the girls are excited. It’s a matter of learning a lot in a little time. Alyssa will see some action this year and get a chance to show her stuff. It’s going to be a crapshoot this year. It’ll be a battle of who’s on that day and where we play.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Scarborough’s dominance over the past eight years has been breathtaking and ranks second to only Skowhegan. From 2007-14, the Red Storm have won 126 games, lost just nine (only three in the regular season) and  tied three others. Scarborough hasn’t lost a regular season game since 2010, boasts a regular season unbeaten streak of 61 games and last year ended four years of frustration by edging Skowhegan in an instant classic in the state final on Kristen Murray’s goal in the waning seconds. The Red Storm were hard-hit by graduation, as not only Murray, but also Miss Maine Field Hockey Maddie Dobecki and All-Staters Kaitlin Prince and Abby Walker departed, but this program simply reloads and Scarborough is viewed by many as the favorite once more.

One thing the Red Storm have in their favor is Souza returning in goal. She’s in her third year in the cage and this fall, will likely be tested more than in the past two seasons combined. Coombs and Hall return on defense (Scarborough allowed only five goals in 2014, just two in the regular season). Ashley Levesque and Kristen Levesque are two of the top midfielders around. They’ll help transition to the offensive end and are capable of finishing in close. Juniors Annika Batista and Tori Timm will also be forces in the midfield. Bailer and Nygren should have ample scoring opportunities.

Scarborough might not run the table in league play this fall, but it doesn’t matter. There are several good teams and more parity than in recent seasons, but by mid-October, one squad figures to stand supreme. The Red Storm have set the bar for years and a sixth trip in eight seasons to the state final wouldn’t surprise anyone. Nor would a repeat title.

VOLLEYBALL

Coach: Jon Roberts (sixth year, 59-21 overall record)

2014 results: 11-4 (Lost, 3-2, to eventual state champion Cape Elizabeth in Class A quarterfinals)

Top returners: Chloe Gorey (Senior), Emily Hanson (Senior), Taylor Marinko (Senior), Jordyn Cowan (Junior), Caroline Goodwin (Junior), Abby Snow (Junior)

Pivotal matches: Sept. 4 CAPE ELIZABETH, Sept. 8 @ Greely, Sept. 12 @ Yarmouth, Sept. 22 FALMOUTH, Sept. 29 YARMOUTH, Oct. 1 @ Cape Elizabeth, Oct. 15 @ Falmouth

Coach’s comment: “We graduated a large group of seniors for the second year in a row, so we don’t return a lot of starters. We do have a lot of players who have been competing hard in practice against strong players the last couple years and they can’t wait to make this team their own. This will be the deepest team I’ve ever had and I have a lot of confidence in every player on the roster. We even have some great players in our JV group ready to be called up to varsity if they’re needed. This entire group is determined to support each other and not get hung up on the labels of ‘starters’ and ‘bench players’ and I plan to play a lot of kids. I think the potential is sky high for this season. We still have a lot of things to improve on, but this group is determined to turn our weaknesses into strengths. I can’t remember a team that has bought into the idea of making changes to get better more than this one. This team is driven by an internal motivation to succeed for each other and that makes coaching a lot of fun. Now we have to prove we can play with the top teams in the state night after night and hopefully we will find a way into the playoffs. From there, anything is possible.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: The Red Storm had eventual champion Cape Elizabeth on the ropes in last year’s quarterfinal, but let that match slip away. It was a strong season regardless and this year’s squad is starting in a better place, with more experience. There will be plenty of hunger too as Scarborough has been a top contender for several years now, but is still chasing that elusive first title. It could come this season.

This year’s team features captains Hanson (a defensive specialist and strong server) and Marinko (a middle hitter). Gorey and Snow are other defensive standouts. Goodwin is a top setter. Cowan is a hitter to watch. They’re juniors by juniors Emma Budway (a libero), Kacey Foerster (outside hitter), Jillian Harvie (outside hitter) and Lilly Young (setter). The roster is deep and features the type of dexterity that most programs can’t match.

The Red Storm will be challenged by several other top teams, but they have the pieces in place to compete with all of them. Scarborough should be well positioned for playoff success. This squad just has to finish the job. Don’t bet against them.

CROSS COUNTRY

Coaches:
(Boys): Jim Harmon (18th year, seven state championships)
(Girls): Ron Kelly (43rd year, five state championships)

2014 results:
(Boys) Class A state champions
(Girls) Class A state champions

Top returners:
(Boys) Connor Doherty (Senior), David Grover (Senior), Andrew Sholl (Senior), Colin Tardiff (Senior), Andrew Goodwin (Junior), Sam Rusak (Junior), Luke Grover (Sophomore)
(Girls): Sophie Lawsure (Senior), Morgan McKeown (Senior), Laura Volan (Senior), Marisa Carbone (Junior), Kirsten Dennen (Sophomore), Hannah Griffin (Sophomore), Samantha Saraceno (Sophomore), Bethany Sholl (Sophomore)

Top foes: Falmouth, Massabesic boys; Bonny Eagle, Massabesic, South Portland girls

Coach Harmon’s comment: “We have a power trio of Colin, Andrew and Connor leading a deep group of talented and dedicated runners who will make our team tough to beat in SMAA competition and we should be one of the top contenders for the state championship meet.”

Coach Kelly’s comment: “We have our top seven back from last year’s team. The number five position will be very competitive, as four or five girls are battling for that spot.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Scarborough’s cross country teams each won Class A a year ago (something which also happened in 2008) and both squads have what it takes to repeat.

The boys lost state meet scorers Jacob Terry and Jacob Bloom to graduation, but three strong runners return. Doherty (14th last season at states), Tardiff (16th) and Sholl (17th), the tri-captains, will lead this year’s team. They’ll be joined by returners Goodwin, David Grover, Luke Grover and Rusak and new junior Shamus Malia and sophomore Kyle Jordan. Scarborough has won seven of the past 11 Class A crowns (and also placed first in 2003, but had to forfeit after it was learned the Red Storm had used an ineligible runner). Based on that pedigree, Scarborough has to be viewed as the favorite again. If this pack gets up to speed, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with at regionals and states.

On the girls’ side, the Red Storm appear to be in great shape, as all seven runners who participated at states are back. Sholl had a terrific freshman season, placing ninth at states. Volan (12th) looks to bow out in style. Carbone (15th), Saraceno (16th) and McKeown (40th) also scored a year ago and Lawsure and Griffin have state meet experience. That group will be pushed by Dennen, new senior Alexandra McCown and freshman Elizabeth Tardiff.  That’s a lineup that will be tough for anyone to match up. Scarborough last went back-to-back in 1998 and 1999. This group has what it takes to repeat for the first time in the 21st Century.

GOLF

Coach: Mike Murphy (27th year, one state championship)

2014 results: 10-0 (Class A state champions)

Top returners: Drew Kane (Senior), Nate Roberts (Senior), Mitchell Wedge (Senior), Elizabeth Lacagnata (Sophomore)

Top foes: Cheverus, Falmouth

Coach’s comment: “We graduated two and they’ll be tough to replace, but everybody else is back and we added two solid freshmen. Drew is a solid top of the lineup guy. A lot of kids feed off his willingness to not take a backseat to anyone. That attitude was contagious last year. He erases a lot of errors. I hope he can repeat that. We have to have talent and also be lucky. We play in a very tough league. We have to get through the regular season, then hope to play our best at Natanis.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Scarborough has fielded a lot of competitive teams over the years, but last year’s squad, behind the heroics of Kane, became the first in program history to break through and bring home a state title. The Red Storm aren’t finished. This year’s team could be just as dominant and could add to the trophy case.

Kane was a first-team league all-star and Scarborough’s Fall Male Athlete of the Year in 2014 after putting up spectacular numbers. Kane became the school record holder in pars (55), birdies (140) and points (19 out of a possible 20). He had a 36.1 scoring average. Kane shot a 75 at the state match and was fourth in Class A with a 75 at the individual match. Wedge was a second-team all-star a year ago. He shot an 80 at the team state match. Roberts shot an 82 at team states and a 92 at the individual state match. Lacagnata is one of the state’s top girls’ players. She came in 10th after a round of 86 at last year’s girls’ state match. She could finish even stronger this year. Freshmen Anthony Burnham and Ethan Mason are new players to watch. They provide depth.

Now that the Red Storm have learned how to finish the job, don’t be surprised if this year’s team produces another memorable season. Scarborough is in a very difficult region, but should post another strong record and has to like its chances to get back to states. There, the Red Storm could once again steal the headlines.

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

Senior Matt Caron has scored some key goals in the past and should add more this season as Scarborough seeks to reach the state final.

Senior Sam Jacob will help hold the opposition at bay.

Senior Jake Kacer will score his share of goals this fall.

Senior Aly Atherton will be a force on defense and in the midfield for a Scarborough girls’ soccer team that has the pieces in place to go all the way this fall.

Senior Maddie Chen scored three goals in the playoffs last season.

Senior Bryce Nitchman is a strong returning defender for the Red Storm.

Junior Ashley Perriello has 19 career goals to her credit and will score her share in the weeks to come.

Senior Emma Smith returns at center back for the Red Storm and will help keep the opposition off the scoreboard.

Junior Ashley Levesque is one of many top returners for the defending Class A state champions.

Senior Grace Bailer will be in the scoring mix for the Red Storm.

Senior Emma Hall helps anchor Scarborough’s strong defense.

Junior Kristen Levesque figures to score her share of goals this season.

Junior Lily Nygren has shown the ability to score key goals at pivotal times.

Junior Tori Timm will see action all over the field.

Junior Jordyn Cowan will be a force at the net for the always-competitive Scarborough volleyball team.

Junior Caroline Goodwin returns at setter for the Red Storm.

Senior Emily Hanson is a talented player with a deadly serve.

Senior Taylor Marinko looks to do damage at the net this season.

Bethany Sholl placed ninth in Class A and helped the Red Storm to a state title as a freshman. She could move up even higher as a sophomore this fall.

Drew Kane hopes to lead Scarborough back to the Class A golf pinnacle this fall.

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Scarborough’s field hockey team celebrated a hard earned Class A title last fall and is looking to go back-to-back for the first time.