PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Joe Greaves calls this year’s Wildcat varsity soccer team “a coach’s dream.”
The Wildcats enter their final regular season game, at home against Brewer Tuesday, with a 10-1-2 record. They have guaranteed themselves a top-two finish in the Class B North Heal Point standings and a bye into the playoff quarterfinals next week.
The eighth-year coach, who has taken his team to the playoffs every year during his tenure, including one trip to the regional finals, said he has enjoyed this year’s squad for a number of reasons.
“It’s a lot of fun when you have a close-knit group of guys who have all the intangibles you look for,” Greaves said. “They are great teammates, they work hard every practice and every game, and are physically and mentally tough.”
Drew Cameron of the Wildcats gets ready to cross the ball to a teammate during a match against John Bapst Oct. 8 in Presque Isle. (Kevin Sjoberg)
The Wildcats went undefeated over their first 11 matches with nine wins and two ties, but then were beaten at Caribou Oct. 12, 2-0. They rebounded the following afternoon for a 3-0 victory at Hermon in their latest match.
Presque Isle has outscored its opponents by a 40-9 margin and shut out seven opponents entering the match against Brewer. Greaves said the Wildcats are a balanced team that has earned everything it has accomplished so far, and plays the game the right way.
“They truly are a team as there is no one superstar,” said the coach. “It just seems like everyone shows up, works hard and does their job.
“I don’t have to worry about any discipline issues on or off the field, and they are respectful. What more can a coach ask for and its not a coincidence that these things lead to the success we have had. These are the types of teams that I think parents and communities should be proud of,” he added.
Presque Isle’s offensive balance is evident as no player has scored more than nine goals on the season. Senior midfielder Zechariah Morse, one of the captains, leads the way with nine and he is a perfect 5 for 5 on penalty kicks. Sophomore Colby Carlisle has eight goals and junior Connor DeMerchant has seven.
“Offense has been a bit of an Achilles heel the past couple years. We’ve had some talented teams and have been able to generate some good scoring opportunities, but it just seemed like we weren’t able to capitalize on them and it hurt us in the big games,” Greaves said. “This year we seem to be turning the corner. We have some guys stepping up and taking advantage of the moment.”
Kyler Caron and Drew Cameron are both senior wing midfielders who have aided the offense, while sophomores Conner Michaud and Gage LeTourneau and freshman Jonah Roy are the first off the bench.
The defense has been a bright spot, with three seniors and a junior starting in front of senior goalkeeper Mason Young, who had to take over for the injured Jason Dumais and has responded with his ability to make tough saves during key moments.
Jonah Hudson of Presque Isle makes a throw-in during a recent game. Hudson has been a key performer and is an important leader for the Wildcats this season. (Kevin Sjoberg)
“With Jason out, we needed someone to step up and Mason has done more than we could have ever expected,” said senior captain Jonah Hudson. “He is aggressive, is a good leader and is one of our hardest workers in practices.”
Torey Levesque, another captain, brings toughness and speed to the left outside back position, while Hudson is a great leader and one who serves as a marking defender who controls 50-50 balls in the middle of the field. He also aids the offense with long throw-ins and being a scoring threat on corner kicks and set plays close to the goal.
Classmate Jacob Sjoberg anchors the backfield at the sweeper position. Greaves said he excels at reading plays, guarding players and quarterbacking the defense. Junior Sam Beaulieu has played the other wing opposite Levesque and gives the team speed and a tireless work ethic.
Another senior, Will Bridges, is part of the starting lineup as a hybrid player, spending time both on offense and defense. He plays a big role on the team’s set plays, taking some corner kicks and direct kicks.
“Our defense has a lot of chemistry,” Hudson said. “We all value communication, toughness and winning balls out of the air and it has been a good formula for us.”
Juniors Ethan Cassidy, Jacob Bonville and Connor Albertson are reserves who have contributed and have improved throughout. Freshman Xavier McAtee serves as the backup goalkeeper.
Assistant coach Tim McCue is valued as a mentor to Greaves, who added that “the players think the world of him.”
Presque Isle finished first in the standings last year, but No. 8 Erskine Academy upset the host Wildcats in the quarterfinals. Depending on the result of their match against Brewer and the outcome of No. 1 Caribou’s match at Fort Kent Tuesday, the Wildcats have a chance at finishing in first place again. This time, both Hudson and Greaves are being cautious about the importance of the No. 1 ranking.
“I think we found out the top seed doesn’t mean as much as we thought it did,” Hudson said. “We may have gotten a bit complacent, so we have to stay really hungry in the playoffs this year.”
“At this point we have made the playoffs and have put ourselves in a good position again, but this year we need to take care of business,” Greaves said. “We have to keep working hard, playing our game, limiting our mistakes and taking advantage of our opportunities.”
