STANDISH – Scarborough senior Ryan Pallotta went out with a bang Saturday afternoon, scoring a season-high five goals to lead the Red Storm to a 9-4 victory over Cheverus in the Class A state championship.

The win marked the Red Storm’s third consecutive state championship and fourth in five years. For Pallotta, his five-goal outburst was the icing on the cake for a career defined by hard work and determination.

“I just come out and go as hard as I can all the time, especially in a game like this,” said Pallotta. “You need to spark the team and get it going. I try my hardest to do that every game.”

Three of Pallotta’s goals came in the second half as the Red Storm (14-1) buried the first five scores to break open a tightly contested first half. Despite being heavy underdogs, the Stags were able to go into halftime trailing just 4-3.

“They came out and really gave us fits,” said Scarborough coach Joe Hezlep. “Being the transition team we are, it’s tough to see the ball go the other way. We’re not really used to that, but we finally connected on some plays at the end. It took a long time before our pressure started to click and we actually connected on some plays.”

While the Storm’s normally devastating attack may not have bee in sync for the majority of the game, their defense was there to back them up, as goaltender David Pearson stood on his head yet again, making 16 saves.

“My defense gave me opportunities to see the shots,” said Pearson. “I just did my job and made the saves. I was expecting a good game.”

Other than the five from Pallotta, John Wheeler, Jon Blaisdell, Cam Loiselle and Austin Doody found the back of the net. Wheeler was the only other multiple goal scorer, with two.

While the Red Storm are certainly familiar with lifting the championship plaque at the end of the season, Hezlep refuses to acknowledge that one title takes precedent over another.

“You can’t differentiate between titles,” said Hezlep. “Each one is unique and every one is special. We always say that we don’t feel like we’re defending anything. No one is taking away the trophies we have. We have to go out and earn everything.”

The Red Storm hoist their third consecutive Class A state championship trophy after beating Cheverus 9-4 on Saturday afternoon at Fitzpatrick Stadium.
John Wheeler of Scarborough (8) celebrates as teammate Ryan Pallotta races to join after burying his second goal during the Red Storm’s 9-4 win. (Staff photos by Nate Boroyan)