Panther boys hope to continue success
MARS HILL — The Central Aroostook Panther boys soccer team has a long history of success, and last year was no exception.
GOALIE Spencer Garrison of the Central Aroostook Panthers grabs a loose ball, 
while teammate Dane Kingsbury (15) chases it and a Southern Aroostook player lies on the ground during last Wednesday’s match in Dyer Brook. The two teams played to a 2-2 tie.
After a 6-4-2 regular season, the Panther boys made a strong playoff run, and finished as the Eastern Maine runners-up. Coach Dave Collins brings 15 years of experience to the table and he is excited about this year’s squad.
“We will be a young team this year and we will be looking to improve practice by practice, and game by game.”
Contributed photo/Dave Allen Graphics
HEADY PLAY 
— From left, Washburn’s Alex Pelletier and Mitchell Worcester and Ashland’s Tyler Levesque all jump in the air for a cross during the first half of Friday’s match played in Washburn. The Hornets came out on top, 4-1.
Collins sees his team as a ball-possession type of team. “We will look to control the games with good passing and possession,” he said. “The more we have the ball and control the tempo of the game, the less are the chances of our getting beat.
The Panthers will be led by senior midfielder Joe Stiles, who will be a key player in the ball possession game. Senior forward/mid-fielder Steven Decker will provide some much needed experience and leadership to the team. Seniors Derek Rusby and Darrin Murray will anchor the defense, while senior Dylan Murray will be a midfield starter. Sophomore Zach McClung will also return to the starting lineup in a defensive role.
Other players looking to break into the starting lineup or expecting to contribute off the bench include senior Steven Garrison, senior Connor Boulier, senior David Milliard, senior Nick Footer, junior Cory Richardson, junior Connor Todd, junior Jacob Canney, junior Mason Davis and sophomore goalkeeper Spencer Garrison. This hard working group will be important in the Panther’s success, according to Collins.
Added into the mix will be freshmen Nick Dominique, Dane Kingsbury, Riley McGrath, Alan Rideout, Hunter Crouse, Dustin Pryor, Ethan McKenney, Morgan Shaw, and Cameron Todd. Collins said this group will become more and more important as they get experience in the early going.
Collins sees Class D as wide open this season. “Our key opponents this year will be all our Class D competition. If we want to get back to the playoffs, we will need to take care of business within our classification during the regular season,” Collins said. “We can’t take anyone for granted.”
