2011 Sun Journal Field Hockey Overview
Several area schools had successful runs in the playoffs last season in field hockey action. Here is how the teams shape up this year:
Class A
The Class A conversation, particularly in the East but most of the time statewide, usually begins and ends in Skowhegan, and there is no reason to think the Indians will be any less of a force in the KVAC. It’s hard for area teams to compete with that factory of talent, but several have come close. Edward Little, one of those that has ventured close, will likely again carry the local banner. The Eddies played well a season ago, and with their veteran staff and solid base of returning players, should again be a playoff team to content with. Oxford Hills lost a good handful of players to graduation, but the Vikings always seem to bring a good deal of tenacity and grit to the table, regardless of age. The veterans are going to be instrumental in helping the less-experienced players along. Lewiston is coming off a three-win season, and the team that was once the Blue Devils’ equal in the conference, Morse, has dropped to Class B. A new coach brings a new optimism to the sidelines this year.
Class B
Two area schools are new to the Class B fold this season, with Mt. Blue dropping into Eastern B from Eastern A, while Spruce Mountain makes its debut as the result of the Jay/Livermore Falls merger. Spruce Mountain is likely to be a solid team in the MVC this season, with some of the best pieces of the two former Class C schools coming together on the same field. Mt. Blue, meanwhile, will also be a strong team as the Cougars continue to build through their recent youth movement.
Leavitt and Mountain Valley should be strong in their respective conferences, and both are playoff contenders this season. The Falcons were a junior-laden bunch a year ago and are battle-tested. The MVC will be a good tuneup for this group, looking to make waves in the Western B field. Leavitt, meanwhile, will likely play a tougher schedule with a host of Eastern B teams in the mix, but the Hornets have a proven track record and a good group of players returning.
Gray-New Gloucester and Poland play in the very tough WMC, and neither team has had much success navigating their way into the playoffs. The Knights have a good core of hard-working younger players that will help develop the squad, while the Patriots will look to build on last season’s three wins and make a run at the final playoff position.
Class C
With Jay and Livermore Falls now gone from the Class C field, the door will be open, perhaps, for some new blood in the playoffs. Meanwhile, in Western C, Lisbon drops into the playoff fold, and the Greyhounds will likely be a team to reckon with. An eight-win team a year ago, this group is used to MVC competition, and should be in the mix once again.
In recent years, the biggest battles have almost always included Telstar and Winthrop, which makes its home in Eastern C in the playoffs. The Ramblers lost a few key players to graduation, but they should once again be in the mix. Eleven wins are not out of the question again this season. Telstar, meanwhile, will perhaps be a touch weaker than a season ago, but that’s like calling someone a small giant. The Rebels should again prove that a winning tradition means something year to year.
St. Dom’s has endured a couple of lean years, but the Saints appear to be on the comeback track, and should be a mid-pack team in the MVC. Dirigo is a young team, but as the younger players learn the systems and acclimate to the varsity level, the Cougars could be a thorn in some sides down the stretch.
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