Bangor Area Teams Compete for State Soccer Championships

The high school soccer championships in Maine will feature teams from the Bangor area competing for state titles across all five classes this Saturday. The Bangor Rams girls’ team aims to defend their Class A title against Scarborough after a decisive 4-1 victory over Camden Hills in the North regional championship on Tuesday night.

The championship match between Bangor and Scarborough is set for 11 a.m. at Messalonskee High School in Oakland. The Rams are looking to replicate last year’s success, where they defeated Camden for the regional crown before clinching the state title with a 3-1 win against Scarborough.

Undefeated Hawks Seek Elusive Title

In Class B girls, the undefeated Hermon Hawks are pursuing a long-sought state championship after dominating the North region. Under the leadership of coach MJ Ball, the Hawks have secured six regional titles in the past eleven years but have fallen short in the final game each time. They earned their seventh regional title on Thursday night, winning 5-0 against Skowhegan, and will face Cape Elizabeth at 11 a.m. Saturday at Edward Little High School in Auburn.

“Our goal at the very beginning of the year was to get back to states,” said MJ Ball following the regional win. Senior player Madison Stewart expressed confidence, stating, “We just really, really want it,” highlighting the team’s determination to finally bring home the championship.

In the Class C boys’ category, the Orono squad triumphed in a thrilling match that included two overtimes and two rounds of penalty kicks to secure the North title on Tuesday. They are set to compete against the defending champions, Hall-Dale, at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Cony High School in Augusta. Orono has maintained an undefeated record this season, showcasing resilience with late-game heroics in several overtime victories.

Howlers and Patriots Aim for Glory

The Class D girls’ competition sees the Penobscot Valley Howlers of Howland seeking their third consecutive state championship after a 2-0 semifinal victory over Central Aroostook. The Howlers will face Ashland at 11 a.m. Saturday at Hermon High School, aiming to extend their successful run in state soccer.

Additionally, the Bangor Christian girls are making their mark in the eight-player state final, competing against Wisdom at 11 a.m. Saturday at Brewer High School. The Patriots have won all 17 games this season, while Wisdom holds a 15-2 record, with both losses coming at the hands of Bangor Christian.

The Maine Soccer Coaches Association President Michael Jeffrey, recently inducted into the Brewer Athletic Hall of Fame, praised the Bangor area’s contribution to quality soccer talent. “It’s a good time for the fans, but it’s also a wonderful time for neutrals like me,” said Jeffrey, noting the accessibility of high-level soccer in the region.

As the championships draw near, excitement builds among players and supporters alike, with the promise of thrilling matches and the hope of state titles on the line.