CROSS COUNTRY

Head Coach: Dan Dors

Assistant Coach: Kurt Peterson

Girls’ roster: Seniors Audrey Blais, Haewon Kim, Leyla Seitova; juniors Addie Blais and Jen Springer; sophomore Samantha DeSouza; freshmen Kennedy Brake, Emily Colson and Olivia Toole.

Boys’ roster: Senior, Nick Scarlett; freshmen, Aaron Black, Alex Creaser, Andrew Gianattasio, Deryn Hatch, Tim Halbrook and Cameron Meserve.

Outlook: “We have numbers this year, although we will be very young,” Coach Dors said. “We will surprise some people. Great group to coach. Coach Peterson and I really enjoy this group.”

LR Invitational (2.95 miles)

Girls: Winning time was 18:18 by Anna Lastra of Fryeburg Academy. Field included 71 girls from eight schools.

14. Audrey Blais, 20:45
15. Addie Blais, 22:25
16. Olivia Toole, 23:07
17. Emily Colson, 27:05
18. Haweon Kim, 32:00

Boys: Winning time was 14:58, field included 73 boys from six schools.

35. Nick Scarlett, 20:03
36. Cameron Meserve, 20:13
37. Tim Halbrook, 21:11
38. Devyn Hatch, 22:42
39. Andrew Gianattasio, 24:09
40. Aaron Black, 24:48
41. Alex Creaser, 26:05

Opening day: This Friday at Sacopee Valley, 4:30 p.m.

FOOTBALL

Head Coach: Brian Jahna (fourth year)

Assistant Coaches: Joe Gasbarro, Josh Plowman

JV Coach: Mike Shea

Key returning players: Lexus Rodgriguez, RB/DE; Nick Wandishin, WR/DB; Doug Banks Jr., QB; Gunnar Harriman, RB/DE/LB; Jordan Williams, RB/LB; Jay Justason, OL/LB; Dakota Stover, WR/DB; Marcus Devoe, TE/DB

Top Newcomers: Tim Cronin, WR/DB

Players to watch: Jordan Williams, Gunnar Harriman, and Lexus Rodrguez are three tough running backs willing to play physical football. Dakota Stover and Nick Wandishin have great athleticism, providing solid vertical threats. Doug Banks Jr. is a very smart quarterback, who can put the offense in good positions by recognizing defensive fronts and coverages. Todd Crawford, Ben Roakes, Dan Neault, Jay Justason and Paul Angelone will lead a very athletic offensive line.

Strengths: “We have a large number juniors and seniors who are returning and a few who have decided to join us this year,” Coach Jahna said. “This is will be the largest upperclass group in several years. This team will be physical and is quickly becoming a very disciplined team.”

Weaknesses: There are still significant depth concerns and an injury at any position quickly leads to underclassmen needing to play.

Based on what you’ve seen thus far, what are you most encouraged by? “The commitment to attend practice and accept instruction. We have had very few drops in attendance through all of preseason and players are responding to detailed coaching,” Coach Jahna said. “The team plays quick and has the ability to play physical. I think the most important thing that is going to allow this team to make another strong step forward is their belief and trust in each other, the coaching staff, and the systems. This has allowed us to quickly address mistakes and get better.”

The coach added, “Teams that believe in themselves and what they are doing typically make great strides during the season and are playing their best football at the end of the season.”

What will it take for the team to be successful this season? The Lakers will need to stay injury free and academically eligible. “We also must continue to stay focused and trust in each other and what we are doing so that we can improve each week,” the coach said.

Three keys to the season? 1. Staying healthy. 2. Staying together and positive. 3. Be able to improve each week.

Three goals? 1. Maintain roster above 30. 2. Have a winning season. 3. Strong push in the playoffs.

Opening day: The Lakers travel to Yarmouth Friday for a 7 p.m. game.

GIRLS’ SOCCER

Head Coach: Pete Webb, first year

Assistant: Harvey Toews

JV Coach: Alyssa Walbrecht

Key returning players: Katie Throgmorton, midfield, senior; Lauren Jakobs, forward, sophomore; Kristen Huntress, forward, junior; Danica Chadwick, defender, sophomore; Devynn Turner, defender, senior; Madison Simms, forward, senior.

Players to watch: Katie will be controlling the midfield; Lauren Jakobs has a nose for the goal; Kristen has speed down the wing and is a goal scorer; Danica is quick and exhibits solid play in the defensive third; Lauren Williams is a solid defender; Madi Simms has speed down the wing and is a goal scorer.

Strengths: Speed on the outside. Very team oriented squad thus far. The girls are buying in and learning a new system. Extremely hard working group of girls. Focused.

Weaknesses: Still a fairly young team. “We are experimenting a bit still as to who fits where best,” Coach Webb said. “Lost a four year starting goalkeeper to graduation, however, we have two very talented girls stepping up to the challenge to take over that spot.”

Encouraged by so far: Positive attitude from all the girls. Ball skills and combination play is improving quickly.

What will it take for a successful season: Surrendering “me” for “we.”

Three keys for the season: Defend well and transition into attack quickly; stay healthy; everyone staying academically eligible.

Goals: Go at least to the semifinals in the playoffs. Sportsmanship award.

Opening day: The Lakers visit York Friday for a 4:15 game.

BOYS’ SOCCER

Head Coach: Michael Chaine, fourth year

Scorekeeper: Janine Rocca-Chaine

JV Coach: Michael Magelas, first year

Key returning players: midfielders senior Connor Andrews, junior Zeke Tocci and sophomores Tristen Chaine and Paul Walker; defensive backs seniors Taylor Davis and Matthew Buchanan, and junior Douglass Mayo.

Top newcomers: Freshman Elijah Levesque

Players to watch: Sophomore Hunter Russo, very strong showing in practices, good ball control and crossing ability.

Strengths: “Our midfield is very solid with some new speed up front to push the ball to the corners,” Coach Chaine said.

Weaknesses: Depth (defensively, subs have been hard to come by).

Based on what you’ve seen thus far, what are you most encouraged by? “Once again, our team is well physically fit and should be able to run with all the teams in our league,” Coach Chaine said. “During our same team scrimmages, we have moved the ball well and need to keep our focus to do so against our opponents.”

What will it take for the team to be successful this season? Heart and drive. “We need to play as a single unit and remain positive,” the coach said.

Three keys to the season? Communication (our biggest area to work on), staying healthy (lack of numbers) and scoring goals (we need to be aggressive around the other team’s goal).

Goalie and defense: Senior Matthew Stenger has been working incredibly hard to fill the shoes of last season’s goalie, Michael Rust. “Matthew’s drive and hard work throughout the summer have started to prepare him for the road ahead,” Coach Chaine said.

The Laker defense will be lead this year by senior Taylor Davis, who bounced last year between forward and defense and will have a huge role in the amount and quality of shots that Stenger sees this year.  “Taylor will have the luxury of speed in the backfield with both Douglass Mayo and Matthew Buchanan,” the coach said. “The three have just started to meld as one unit. Our ability to limit the number and quality of shots on goal will payoff in dividends and allow Stenger to transition the ball quickly back to our midfield.”

Goals: “I would love to see this team continue to get better, as we have over the past few years, improving on reducing goals against as well as goals scored,” Coach Chaine said. “We had issues last year in completing full games and that will be our primary focus — to play the entire game at the same level throughout (no momentary breakdowns). We need to remain focused and continue to represent our team and school at a high quality of professionalism and sportsmanship.”

Opening day: The Lakers host York Friday at 4 p.m.

FIELD HOCKEY

Head Coach: Pauline Webb, third year

Assistant Coach: Ashley Tabor Pringle (a former LR All-State player; she also played at St. Michael’s), first year

No JV team this year due to low numbers.

Key returning players: Seniors Molly Christensen, midfield; Rachel Bell, back; Spencer True, midfield; and sophomore Olivia Deschenes.

Top newcomers: Freshman Paige Davis

Players to watch: Rachel Bell, anchoring the defense; Molly Christensen, playing a defensive mid, will be a key in taking free hits and transitioning play from one side of the field to the other; Olivia Deschenes is a playmaker and a tenacious defender.

Strengths: Speed in the front line with Dessi Berry, Liz Cole and Paige Davis; “We’ve also been able to score during our preseason. All our forwards can score and Olivia Deschenes and Molly Christensen can also score as mids,” Coach Webb said.

Weaknesses: VERY young, only three seniors; low numbers; LR’s All-State goalie, Meghan VanLoan, graduated last year. Katherine Springer and Maddie Nelson have big shoes to fill.

Based on what you’ve seen thus far, what are you most encouraged by? “I’m encouraged that we’ve been able to score more in this preseason than we have in the last two pre-seasons,” Coach Webb said.

Three keys to be successful this year: The Lakers will need to stay injury free; players will have to work hard and push themselves during practice in order to be conditioned to play most of the game; and they will need to trust each other on the field, and play with confidence.

Goals: Score at least one more goal than our opponent; Play with pride and attitude; make it to playoffs; and have fun!

Ability…What you are capable of doing?

Motivation…Determines what you do

Attitude…Determines how well you do it.

Opening day: The Lakers traveled to Yarmouth yesterday, Sept. 2. They move on to Greely on Friday at 4 p.m.

GOLF

Head Coach: Art Kilborn, 12th year

Key returning players: Tyler Walker, #1 player, junior; Nick Scarlett, #3, senior; Ryan Hodgdon, #4, senior; Bobby Caron, #5, sophomore.

Top newcomers: Ryan Walker, freshman.

Players to watch: The Walker brothers will set the pace for scoring and hopefully their successes will carry over to the rest of the team. “Their work (practice) ethic is unparalleled in my many years involved in the sport,” Coach Kilborn said. “The improvement that Nick Scarlett has made is also the result of a lot more practice rounds and he is maturing into a very steady scorer.”

Strengths: The competitive nature that the low scorers bring to the matches should carry over to the rest of the team and improve their quality of play.

Weaknesses: Strength for golf successes can be measured in numbers playing. “We are below the team number I would like to see!” Coach K said.

Based on what you’ve seen thus far, what are you most encouraged by? Team attitude and attendance.

What will it take for the team to be successful this season? 1. More players especially within the girls of the school; 2. Team score consistently below 180 (four golfers) for match play; 3. Golf, typically an individual sport, can be enjoyed more when shared successes with teammates which can aspire them to improve their own games.

Three keys to the season? Three goals? “Both questions would be answered with what it would take to be successful this season,” the coach said.

Opening day: The Lakers already played matches against Wells and Cape Elizabeth. At Bridgton Highlands against Wells, the Lakers scored a 5 ½ to ½ victory. Tyler Walker fired a 38, two over par, to win by two strokes. Ryan Walker tied his match with a 47; Nick Scarlett won by two strokes with a 49; Ryan Hodgdon rolled to a nine stroke win with a 54; Bobby Carron won by three strokes with a 65; and Justin Mushrow shot a 66 to win by 10 strokes.

VOLLEYBALL

Head Coach: Ryan Shible, fifth year

Key returning players: Michaela Tripp, Libero, senior; Catherine Christiansen, setter, junior; Amanda Botros, setter, senior; Maggie Luce, passing specialist, sophomore; Autumn Tremblay, outside hitter, sophomore. “Each one of these returning players bring great defensive and offensive experience to our team, and each represent great mentors for our new players this year!” Coach Shible said.

Top newcomers: Melissa Bonenfant, who will be playing middle hitter, is full of energy and motivated to fill this important offensive and defensive position at the net; Lindsey Keenan, who will be filling the vital roles of outside hitter and passing specialist, has already demonstrated some great passing skills.

Players to watch: Michaela Tripp, the Laker’s Libero will be providing some great defense for the backcourt this season. Catherine Christiansen and Amanda Botros will be the engine of the 6:2 offense this season, which will be a change from the 4:2 offense Coach Shible used last year, providing the Lakers with three available hitters instead of just two.

Strengths: “Our team has been injected with some new energy with some new players this year, which helped to provide more balance for our team offensively and defensively,” the coach said.

Weaknesses: “Our team is a young team this year, as we lost seven seniors last year, which was a big loss in regards to overall experience,” Coach Shible said.

Based on what you’ve seen thus far, what are you most encouraged by? “I am most encouraged by our team’s ability to learn and play in our new 6:2 offense; as they demonstrated in a tournament we played at Deering High School this past Saturday. I’m also encouraged by the energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn from our newer players,” he said.

What will it take for the team to be successful this season? To be successful this season, the Lakers will need to focus on constantly communicating with each other on the court, as well as making sure we make quick defensive and offensive transitions while playing.

Three keys: 1. Communication; 2. Making quick defensive and offensive transitions;   3. Serving accuracy.

Goals: “My first goal or priority is to continue developing the offensive and defensive skills of our newer players,” Coach Shible said. “The second goal is for our team to successfully utilize the 6:2 offense this season. My last goal is to continue building interest in the sport of volleyball at Lake Region High School.”

Opening day: The Lakers travel to Wells Friday for a 6 p.m. contest.

THE SCHEDULE

Girls’ Soccer

Friday, Sept. 4, at York, 4:15

Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Wells, 6:00

Friday, Sept. 11, at Gray-NG, 6:00

Wednesday, Sept. 16, Kennebunk, 6:00

Monday, Sept. 21, at Traip, 4:00

Wednesday, Sept. 23, Waynflete, 6:00

Tuesday, Sept. 29, Freeport, 6:00

Thursday, Oct. 1, Cape Elizabeth, 6:00

Saturday, Oct. 3, Poland, 3:00

Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Fryeburg, 3:30

Thursday, Oct. 8, NYA, 6:00

Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Greely, 6:00

Saturday, Oct. 17, Fryeburg, 6:00

Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Old Orchard, 4:00

Boys’ Soccer

Friday, Sept. 4, York, 4:00

Tuesday, Sept. 8, Wells, 6:00

Saturday, Sept. 12, Gray-NG, 11:30

Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Kennebunk, 6:00

Tuesday, Sept. 22, Traip, 6:15

Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Freeport, 3:30

Thursday, Oct. 1, at Cape Elizabeth, 6:00

Saturday, Oct. 3, at Poland, 3:00

Tuesday, Oct. 6, Fryeburg, 6:00

Thursday, Oct. 8, at NYA, 3:30

Tuesday, Oct. 13, Greely, 3:30

Thursday, Oct. 15, at Sacopee Valley, 6:00

Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Wells, 6:00

Field Hockey

Friday, Sept. 4, at Greely, 4:00

Tuesday, Sept. 8, Poland, 4:00

Saturday, Sept. 12, Fryeburg, 3:00

Tuesday, Sept. 15, at Cape Elizabeth, 6:00

Wednesday, Sept. 16, York, 4:00

Friday, Sept. 18, Falmouth, 4:00

Tuesday, Sept. 22, Freeport, 4:00

Friday, Sept. 25, at Fryeburg, 3:30

Monday, Sept. 28, at Kennebunk, 4:00

Wednesday, Sept. 30, Gray-NG, 4:00

Friday, Oct. 2, at Poland, 3:30

Tuesday, Oct. 6, Sacopee Valley, 4:00

Thursday, Oct. 8, at Waynflete, 3:30

Volleyball

Friday, Sept. 4, at Wells, 6:00

Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Deering, 6:00

Thursday, Sept. 10, NYA, 6:00

Tuesday, Sept. 15, Cony, 6:00

Thursday, Sept. 17, at Bonny Eagle, 6:00

Tuesday, Sept. 22, Portland, 6:00

Saturday, Sept. 26, at Yarmouth, 1:00

Thursday, Oct. 1, Wells, 6:00

Saturday, Oct. 3, at Bucksport, 3:30

Thursday, Oct. 8, at Windham, 6:30

Tuesday, Oct. 13, Wells, 6:00

Football

Friday, Sept. 4, at Yarmouth, 7:00

Friday, Sept. 11, Spruce Mtn, 7:00

Friday, Sept. 18, at Mtn Valley, 7:00

Friday, Sept. 25, Poland, 7:00

Friday, Oct. 2, at Gray-NG, 7:00

Friday, Oct. 9, at Wells, 7:00

Friday, Oct. 16, Freeport, 7:00

Friday, Oct. 23, Fryeburg, 7:00

Golf

Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Old Orchard, 3:30

Wednesday, Sept. 9, Sacopee, 3:30

Thursday, Sept. 10, at Freeport, 3:30

Tuesday, Sept. 15, NYA, 3:30

Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Yarmouth, 3:30

Wednesday, Sept. 23, Poland, 3:30

Thursday, Sept. 24, at Gray-NG, 3:30

Monday, Sept. 28, at York, 3:30

Monday, Oct. 5, WMC Qualifier, 10:00

• Home course, Bridgton Highlands

Cross-Country

Friday, Sept. 4, at Sacopee Valley

Friday, Sept. 11, Wells, Traip, Waynflete

Friday, Sept. 18, at Greely

Friday, Sept. 25, Kennebunk, Gray-NG

Friday, Oct. 9, at Royal River Park

Saturday, Oct. 10, Belfast Invitational, TBA

Friday, Oct. 16, at St. Joseph’s College, 3:00

Saturday, Oct. 24, at Twin Brook Regionals

Saturday, Oct. 31, at State Meet

• Regular season meets are 4:30 boys, 5:00 girls