Staff Writer
ASHLAND – After a string of steadily improving season records, last year’s 2007 Ashland Hornets ended the season as state runner-ups.
Despite losing four seniors to graduation, head coach Kevin Paradis sees the potential for record breaking and high-seed standings in the 2008 Hornets.
Ashland graduate Tyler Cote and senior Carl Nemer propelled the Hornets to the number-one spot in Eastern Maine as they led the offensive attack last season. Nemer tied Darren Belskis for single season goals at 27 and moved to within one goal of tying the career scoring record.
The team also set a record for the most goals scored in the playoffs at 12. However, Nemer will have to sit out the opening of the ’08 season until a doctor clears him to play after suffering a broken leg during last spring’s baseball season.
Also graduating from the team were keeper Lucas Belanger, center fullback Nick Gimbel and right midfielder Ryan Carney.
“I am very optimistic about our chances to do well again,” said Paradis. “We are definitely the most experienced team with the success we’ve had the past two seasons. I think that many of our opponents will be surprised to see that our offense will still be pretty strong even without Tyler or Carl.”
Senior left winger Jacob Paradis and sophomore striker Kenny Tarr will take the soccer pitch looking to keep up Ashland’s offensive pace.
“Jake and Kenny have both worked extremely hard during the off-season,” commented Paradis. “Nemer and Cote scored 51 goals combined. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Jake and Kenny challenge that number.”
Finishing off the front lineup will be either sophomore Brandon Soucier, junior Taylor Condon or freshman Royce MacDonald in the right wing position.
Starting in center midfield is senior Jeremy Tarr. “He is a master of setting up his teammates, and is the best header I have coached thus far,” commented coach Paradis.
In left midfield is senior Stephen Philbrook, and on the right is either sophomore Brandon Labbe, junior Lucas Hafford or junior Kyle Spooner.
Leading the Hornet defense is senior Tony Baker in the left back position assisted by junior center back Andrew Libby, sophomore right back Thomas Long and junior sweeper Casey Cobb. Taking over keeper duties from Belanger is sophomore Bobby Gardiner.
“I expect our defense will be better than last year,” said Paradis. “Gimbel and Belanger were both big losses, but the young men filling their shoes have looked great early on. Baker and Cobb are tremendous leaders in the back.”
Also on the Hornet roster this season are junior Andy Pelkey; sophomores Myles Bolstridge, Keith Holmes and Jordan Beaulier; and freshman Dylon Cyr-Cormier.
Paradis plans to continue playing a fast-paced game this season with possible changes in field positioning.
“We strive to play a skilled passing game, but I refuse to let teams out-hustle us … I use different alignments for different situations or available players,” said Paradis. “Last year we were successful using only two men up front, but this year we will likely use a more standard 4-3-3.”
Assisting Paradis in his coaching duties is Lendell Tarr.
Staff photo/Meridith Paterson
2008 ASHLAND BOYS’ VARSITY SOCCER – The Hornets are, from the left in front, Brandon Saucier, Taylor Condon, Myles Bolstridge, Kenny Tarr, Jacob Paradis, Casey Cobb, Royce MacDonald and Dylan Cyr-Cormier; in the middle, Brandon Labbe, Keith Holmes, Thomas Long, Tony Baker, Carl Nemer, Stephen Philbrook and Kyle Spooner; in back, head coach Kevin Paradis, Jeremy Tarr, Andy Pelkey, Bobby Gardiner, Lucas Hafford and Jordan Beaulier; and, absent from photo, Andrew Libby and assistant coach Lendell Tarr.
