FOOTBALL

Coach: David Higgins (seventh year, 29-25 overall record)

2014 results: 4-5 (Lost, 28-15, to Westbrook in Western B quarterfinals) 

Top returners: Evan McCarthy (Senior), Sam Peck (Senior), Tim Coyle (Sophomore)

Pivotal games: Sept. 11 MARSHWOOD, Oct. 9 LEAVITT, Oct. 23 FALMOUTH

Coach’s comment: “We’ve had a lot of injuries already. We’re limping along. We have a bunch of young kids this year. Four freshmen starting. The kids are working hard. We’ll line up like we always do and see what happens. We hope we can improve every week and maybe we can surprise some people. It should be a very interesting season for the Rangers.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: The injury bug has hit Greely hard, as senior Matt Pisini, a Campbell Conference all-star in 2014, who was expected to quarterback the squad yet again, suffered what was feared to be an ACL injury in the preseason. The Rangers do have some players to turn to, but in a deep and talented region, it figures to be an uphill climb.

Sophomore Nick Gauvin will receive trial by fire under center in Pisini’s absence, but he’s shown promise. Greely’s attack will be run-heavy behind Peck (an all-star last fall), Coyle and freshman Joe Cassella. McCarthy is a returning veteran on both sides of the line. Coyle and Peck will play linebacker. Cassella will be in the secondary. 

The Rangers last missed the playoffs in 2010, a year in which a coin toss kept them out. For Greely to make it five straight postseason trips, a lot will have to go right. This team figures to show a lot of improvement in the weeks to come, but being in such a loaded region won’t make life easy. The Rangers will compete and win some games and if they can get to the playoffs, the season will be a resounding success.

BOYS’ SOCCER

Coach: Mike Andreasen (18th year, 176-84-23 overall record, four state championships)

2014 record: 11-4-2 (Lost, 4-2, to eventual state champion Yarmouth in Western B Final) 

Top returners: Jacob Nason (Senior), Austin Nowinski (Senior), Nick Pronovost (Senior), Lucas Watt (Senior), Dylan Fried (Junior), Hunter Graham (Junior)

Pivotal games: Sept. 8 YARMOUTH, Sept. 10 FALMOUTH, Sept. 21 @ Cape Elizabeth, Sept. 29 @ Falmouth, Oct. 10 CAPE ELIZABETH, Oct. 17 @ Yarmouth

Coach’s comment: “We’re working hard, but we have to find the pieces. Our goalies are very inexperienced, so we hope to be better late in the season. We’re not as deep as in the past. We’ll score. The question is how well we can defend. I hope we can meet the challenge.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Greely’s repeat title quest ended last year in the regional final, as Yarmouth proved to be too much to handle. The Rangers again have the talent necessary to be among the best teams in the region and if this squad develops as hoped, they’ll be right there in late October.

Greely graduated 11 players from a year ago, lost Luc Dionne to Cheverus, Chris Perry to cross country and Owen Potenziano to an injury suffered in the spring, but on the bright side, gets to enjoy the talents of Nason, an All-Stater in 2013 and 2014, for one more year. Nason, a captain, led the Rangers in scoring as a freshman and sophomore and was second as a junior. He’ll be a matchup nightmare in the weeks to come. Graham is another scorer to watch after leading the team in goals scored in 2014. Pronovost can also tickle the twine. Watt, another tri-captain, who is recovering from a collarbone injury, is also capable of doing damage and will be heard from all over the field when he returns. Other potential scorers include juniors Billy Borden, Owen McIntyre and Henry Melville and sophomore Quinn Molloy. The defense features the third tri-captain, Nowinski, and another veteran, Fried. They’re joined by new juniors Chris Borden and Eric Kinkead. Greely’s biggest question mark this fall is in goal where two players, junior Sam Cloutier and sophomore Brandon George, were battling for the position at press time. There’s a ton of potential on this roster. It’s just a case of learning roles and gaining confidence.

Greely has won 36 games over the past three seasons. The Rangers would love to win their second championship in three years, but getting past the likes of Cape Elizabeth, Maranacook and of course, Yarmouth, won’t be easy. Greely’s challenging schedule will result in some hiccups during the regular season, but the Rangers will be at their best when it matters most.

GIRLS’ SOCCER

Coach: Josh Muscadin (third year, 24-8-2 overall record)

2014 record: 13-3-1 (Lost, 2-1, 4-2 PKs, to Cape Elizabeth in Western B Final)

Top returners: Allison Coon (Senior), Maddie Cyr (Senior), Izzy Hutnak (Senior), Lanie Kropp (Senior), Jocelyn Mitiguy (Senior), Kelsey Otley (Senior), Maggie Reed (Senior), Ellie Schad (Junior)

Pivotal games: Sept. 8 YARMOUTH, Sept. 11 @ Falmouth, Sept. 21 CAPE ELIZABETH, Sept. 29 FALMOUTH, Oct. 2 YORK, Oct. 9 @ Cape Elizabeth, Oct. 17 @ Yarmouth, Oct. 20 @ York

Coach’s comment: “I’m looking for kids to step up. That’s what being a team is all about. We set our goals really high every year. We always want to achieve. What we need to do is be patient and gradually work toward our goal. We have to work together and be committed. We’ll work hard and hope for some luck. It’s now or never for our seniors.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Greely’s season ended in heartbreak and frustration a year ago as the Rangers had their chances to get past Cape Elizabeth, but for the second year in a row, had to watch instead as the Capers represented Western B in the state game. This could be the year Greely gets over the hump, but it won’t come easily.

Not many teams boast two All-Staters, but the Rangers do in the dynamic senior scoring tandem of Hutnak and Mitiguy. Hutnak is a matchup nightmare all over the field and no one has the closing speed or scoring touch of Mitiguy, who has a flair for scoring the dramatic goal against top foes. Schad also has a reputation of coming up with big goals at key times. Look for Coon and Kropp to also score their share of goals in the weeks to come. Defensively, Greely will rely on Otley, Reed and senior Suzannah Jacobson, who missed last season, to hold the fort in front of league all-star Cyr, the goalkeeper, who is recovering from injury as the season dawns. Sophomore Courtney Sullivan may see some time between the pipes in her stead. 

The Rangers have the athletes and the hunger to go far this fall. Greely will be tested often during the regular season, but should win with enough frequency to earn another high playoff seed. The Rangers are seeking their first trip to the state final since 2004 and their first crown since 2002. This could be the team that finishes the job.

FIELD HOCKEY

Coach: Becki Belmore (second year)

2014 record: 5-9-1 (Lost, 2-0, to Fryeburg Academy in Western B preliminary round 

Top returners: Kayla Barry (Senior), Alyssa Coyne (Senior), Danita Storey (Senior), Elizabeth Brown (Sophomore)

Pivotal games: Sept. 2 @ Fryeburg Academy, Sept. 8 YARMOUTH, Sept. 10 @ Falmouth, Sept. 12 @ Cape Elizabeth, Sept. 18 @ York, Sept. 24 POLAND, Sept. 30 @ Freeport, Oct. 8 @ Kennebunk, Oct. 10 NYA

Coach’s comment: “We’re fielding a young team after graduating 14 players last year. We are hopeful to be in contention for a playoff position while building experience and confidence in young players. Kayla and Alyssa provide speed to the forward and midfield lines while Danita brings the most experience to direct the team from the midfield. I am confident in (sophomore) Sydney Meredith-Pickett to anchor the defense. She will see time in the midfield, as well. Elizabeth returns in goal after a standout freshman season.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: After starting the 2014 season 0-5, wins in two of its final three games propelled Greely into the playoffs for the 17th time in 18 seasons, but the Rangers had no answers and couldn’t rattle the cage in the preliminary round. After graduating a huge number of players, the Rangers are largely starting over, but the cupboard is not bare.

Barry (6 goals, 3 assists in 2014) will pace the offense with help from Storey (who had a goal and three assists last fall). Coyne, Greely’s Spring Female Athlete of the Year, has a powerful stroke and will also be in the scoring mix. Seniors Charlotte Benoit, Madelyn Day and Hannah Rose and sophomore Ella Novick provide depth. Sophomore Sydney Meredith-Pickett will be a key defender in front of goalie Brown, who saved 78.7 percent of the shots she faced as a freshman. 

To make the playoffs again this season, Greely will need to avoid the slow start it suffered last fall and will need to produce more offense (the Rangers only scored 19 goals in 15 games in 2014). Greely has the potential to match up with everyone on its schedule and a little early success would do wonders for confidence. This could be a team that no one wants to face come mid-October.

VOLLEYBALL

Coach: Kelvin Hasch (14th year, 190-20 overall record, nine state championships)

2014 results: 13-3 (Lost, 3-2, to Cape Elizabeth in Class A semifinals)

Top returners: Hannah Butland (Senior), Alex Tebbs (Senior), Molly Chapin (Junior), Kayley Cimino (Junior)

Pivotal matches: Sept. 4 @ Falmouth, Sept. 8 SCARBOROUGH, Sept. 10 @ Cape Elizabeth, Sept. 21 @ Yarmouth, Sept. 29 CAPE ELIZABETH, Oct. 1 FALMOUTH, Oct. 6 @ Scarborough, Oct. 8 GORHAM

Coach’s comment: “We have some experienced players. We’ll be able to hit the ball, but we have to get better at passing and serving. Molly, Alex and Lauren will be able to block. We’re a work in progress, but we have possibilities.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Greely was one of three teams that let Cape Elizabeth get away as the Capers went on to win the state championship that until recently was the Rangers’ birthright. While graduation took its toll, Greely returns some top players and should be right in the middle of a talent-laden Class A again this autumn.

Cimino was an All-State selection in 2014. She’s a setter who can also do damage above the net. Butland and Tebbs were both All-State honorable mentions last fall and have come up huge in big matches. Butland will set, while Tebbs is one of the best finishers around. Look for the athletic Chapin to make an even bigger impact this autumn. Senior Lauren Murley is another player who will play larger role. 

Greely doesn’t enter the season as the team to beat, but that doesn’t mean anyone should overlook the Rangers. This group will get better as the season progresses and with the talent on the roster, will be able to hold its own again some very talented foes. After falling short two years in a row, Greely is due. Don’t be surprised to see the Rangers get back to the top.

CROSS COUNTRY

Coach: David Dowling (19th year, 11 state championships)

2014 results:
(Boys) 4th @ Class B state meet
(Girls) Class B state champions

Top returners:
(Boys) Kyle Hansen (Senior), Ryan Morrison (Senior), Connor Rog (Senior), Max Stickney (Junior)
(Girls) Faith Price (Senior), Sophie Stickney (Senior), Katherine Leggat-Barr (Junior), Olivia Bucknam (Sophomore), Kate Curran (Sophomore)

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

Coach’s comment: “The boys hope to improve on team’s fourth place finish at states. The addition of middle distance runner Chris Perry and promising freshmen should help bolster the top seven.

“The girls return four of the top seven, including including Katherine, our number one runner. The addition of freshmen and sophomore runners should help replace Izzy Evans, our number two, who is studying abroad this year. The challenge will be to match up against a talented Yarmouth team that returns six of their top seven girls.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Greely’s cross country teams will again be among the very best in Class B.

The girls won a memorable state crown a year ago, holding off Yarmouth on the big stage. The two teams will battle it out again this fall, with other squads also figuring into the mix. The Rangers won’t have Izzy Evans, who was second at last year’s state meet, but they do return the individual Class B champion and the school’s reigning Fall Female Athlete of the Year, Leggat-Barr. Also back are Stickney (19th last season) and Curran (26th). Joining that solid core will be Bucknam and Price, new sophomore Chloe Waldrep and freshmen Julia Curran and Carolyn Todd. Greely will be hard pressed to repeat for the first time since 2000-01, but Leggat-Barr will do great things and she should get plenty of help. The Rangers will be at their best in the postseason.

On the boys’ side, top returners include Morrison (sixth last season), Hansen (16th), Rog (29th) and Stickney (47th). Senior Chris Perry, an erstwhile soccer player, is new to the team and provides depth. Greely is viewed as one of the better squads in its region and will be tough to beat, both in the regular season and at the postseason meets. A ninth trip in 10 years to states appears to be a pretty safe bet. 

GOLF

Coach: Brian Bickford (seventh year)

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

Top returners: Sam Burgoyne (Senior), Nathan Gervais (Senior), Aidan Roberts (Senior), Jacob Storey (Senior), Erin Holmes (Junior), Tate Porter (Junior)

Top foes: Gorham, Thornton Academy

Coach’s comment: “We have a veteran team and we should be competitive. Our top 10 golfers averaged below 41 during tryouts. We’ll continue a tradition of strong girls’ players with Erin Holmes and Rachel Smith. We’re hopeful to be competitive with a goal of making the state championships in October.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: After finishing two strokes shy of Scarborough at last year’s Class A state match, Greely could be primed to win it all this time around. 

Reigning Fall Male Athlete of the Year Roberts (74), Burgoyne (76), Porter (85), Gervais (85) and Storey (87) all shot very well at states a year ago. Roberts also shot a 79, which tied him for sixth, at the Class A individual meet. Burgoyne was a first-team league all-star, while Roberts was named to the second-team. Depth arrives with the likes of senior Jacob Small and juniors Matt McDevitt, Ryan Megathin and Joe Piwowarski. Junior Erin Holmes and freshman Rachel Smith figure to be among the better girls’ players in the area. Holmes, an all-star in 2014, should be a contender for a high finish at the girls’ individual state match.

The Rangers’ last golf state championship came way back in 1995 in Class B. The program is due and is hungry to win another win. Don’t be surprised if Greely finishes what last year’s team started, leapfrogs Scarborough and brings home an overdue trophy.

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

Senior Sam Peck is a threat to take it to the house every time he gets his hands on the ball.

Junior Dylan Fried is back on defense for a Greely boys’ soccer team which reached the Western B Final last fall.

Hunter Graham has been a key contributor his first two seasons. As a junior, he’ll be a top scorer for the Rangers.

Senior Jacob Nason is one of the state’s elite players. He’ll look to go out with a bang and deliver another Gold Ball.

Senior Nick Pronovost will be a steady contributor all over the field.

Senior Maddie Cyr is back in goal for the two-time Western B finalist Rangers.

Izzy Hutnak has been a three-year star for the Rangers. She hopes to bow out as a champion this autumn.

Senior Jocelyn Mitiguy is almost unstoppable in the open field.

Senior Maggie Reed is a defensive stalwart.

Senior Kayla Barry is a top returner and scoring threat for the Rangers.

Sophomore Elizabeth Brown is back in goal for the Rangers.

Senior Alyssa Coyne will be a matchup nightmare this season.

Senior Danita Storey will be a top scoring threat for the Rangers.

Senior Hannah Butland will make her presence felt at the net this fall.

Molly Chapin had an encouraging freshman season and will be an even bigger contributor as a sophomore.

Junior Kayley Cimino is unstoppable when she soars through the air.

Senior Alex Tebbs hopes to lead the Rangers back to the pinnacle this fall.

Senior Kyle Hansen will be a top runner for the Rangers this fall.

Senior Ryan Morrison came in ninth at the Class B state meet a year ago.

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Katherine Leggat-Barr was the individual Class B champion and led her team to a state title last fall as a sophomore. The bar is set high, but expect more greatness from Leggat-Barr and the Rangers this fall.

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