Warriors playing aggressive

By Gloria Austin  
Staff Writer
    Though the preseason started out a bit sketchy with a low number of players, the Southern Aroostook Warriors are full into the season.
    “It was tough getting kids,” said coach Cliff Urquhart. “We weren’t in school so kids were still on vacations or participating in other summer activities. Once school started, the numbers increased.”
    The Warriors are 2-1-1, splitting with Easton; tying Central Aroostook and picking up a win over Hodgdon.
    With the strength of their schedule of opponents, the Warriors set a goal of going .500 and making the playoffs. But, for the Warriors to achieve that goal, there are a few things they need to improve on, according to their coach.
    “We need to win more balls out of the air,” explained Urquhart. “We also need to finish our offensive opportunities. We usually get good opportunities to score, but in the past, we really haven’t been able to capitalize on that. I’d like to see the guys put the ball in the back of the net this year a little bit more often when the opportunities present themselves.”
    The Warriors area strong up the middle, with last year’s All-Aroostook players junior midfielder Dakota Sleeper and senior striker Tyler Robinson leading the team, along with sophomore sweeper Cody Robinson.
    “We have some experienced guys on defense,” he explained. “We have some guys that aren’t afraid to go get the ball and have the speed to beat defenders on the ground with the pass or dribble.”
    Rounding out the team are: seniors Dillon Boulier, goalie; Darin Flewelling, fullback; Mike Casey, fullback and Stephen Grant, midfielder; juniors, Logan Desmond, midfielder; Garry Sutherland, stopper and Nick Tarr, midfielder; sophomores, Anthony Diaferio, midfielder and Jake Lassonde, midfielder; freshmen Patrick Goodall, forward; Taylor Locke, midfielder; Joe Frazier, fullback; Vance Gusten, midfielder and Phil Harris, fullback.
    However, their strongest attribute — a fierce competitive spirit.
    “I think one of our strengths, or it always has been since I’ve been coaching, is the fact that we have been a really aggressive team. We play an aggressive style of soccer.”
     The Warriors have faced Easton twice, and will play last year’s D state finalist Ashland twice; Katahdin twice and last year’s Class C state finalist Madawaska.
    “This year we have less distractions pulling us away from our focus,” said Urquhart. “The kids are working hard and we are having fun. I’m looking forward to how things will go.”