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Maybe you notice them; maybe you don’t. Either way, there’s something to be said for the “unsung hero” —  the player who, while perhaps not putting up the big numbers that catch the headlines, does the little things that are every bit as important in the outcome.

This fall, Varsity Maine is seeking to identify some of those unsung heroes of Maine high school sports. Here are five boys and five girls whose impacts this September were significant, even if they weren’t necessarily measured in goals, assists, touchdowns or yards.

BOYS

Jake Harmon, Monmouth Academy soccer: Bryce Fletcher and Zane Foyt get the plaudits by pouring in goals for Monmouth, but the Mustangs owe just as much of their success to Harmon, who had strong defensive efforts against Mt. Abram on Sept. 16 and against Maranacook on Sept. 29, among others.

Abdirauf Hersi, Lewiston soccer: Hersi’s game-winning assist against Camden Hills on Sept. 8 helped the Blue Devils complete a 3-2 comeback win. On Sept. 19, his well-placed free kick in the dying seconds of the first half against rival Edward Little led to the game’s opening goal.

Wes Pinkham, Bonny Eagle football: Pinkham didn’t record many yards in Bonny Eagle’s season-opening victory over South Portland, but a key catch set up a score that the Scots ultimately needed to win. His strong play in the secondary included a touchdown-saving tackle.

Ethan Reichert, Marshwood football: On a team with just 33 players, each one is asked to do a lot. Reichert has answered the call as a key player on both lines for Marshwood, which went 4-0 in September. He was particularly impactful in the Hawks’ 52-51 thriller over Noble.

Ben Thomas, Winslow football: Winslow’s running backs get the headlines for their gaudy numbers, but that couldn’t happen without strong play from a line that includes a formidable senior in Thomas. He’s also been dominant up front defensively, such as in a 14-6 victory over Freeport.

GIRLS

Addison Barrs, Biddeford field hockey: Mia Mariello’s four goals stole the show in the Tigers’ season-opening win over Sanford/Kennebunk, but Barrs was no less instrumental. The junior was critical to breaking up Spartans possessions, leading to transition play that spurred Biddeford’s offense.

Gracey Copper, Cheverus field hockey: On a defense with no returning starters from 2025, Copper has stepped up for the Stags. Her tenacity while Biddeford launched a barrage of penalty corners at Cheverus in a Sept. 25 showdown was key to the Stags’ 3-2 win in the battle of Class A South powers.

Lauren Jabar, Yarmouth soccer: Jabar helped lead a defense that conceded just two goals all month for a team that was 7-0 in September. A Sept. 3 effort against Cape Elizabeth in which she displayed remarkable 1-on-1 skills and beat the Capers to every ball was particularly noteworthy.

Kristyna Pokorna, Thornton Academy volleyball: Not all stats are created equal; some are the results of plays that change games in key moments. That’s what Pokorna did Sept. 24 against Scarborough with two aces that turned the tide. Oh, and as coach Kayla Arthurs said, don’t let her defense go unnoticed.

Adela Ricker, Gardiner soccer: Goalkeeping is always important, but it’s especially important in one-goal games — exactly where Ricker has thrived. In a Sept. 24 battle with rival Cony, Ricker’s 12 saves were crucial to the Tigers’ 3-2 victory. Gardiner has won five one-goal games this season.