MARS HILL, Maine — The Central Aroostook Panthers have a solid core of players returning from a year ago, and although they were defeated in the preliminary round of the playoffs, making the playoffs gave the returning players a feel for where they are trying to go. Coach Cody Tompkins is excited about the team Central Aroostook is putting on the field this year.
“My expectations for this season are for our team to make the playoffs and make a run deep into the playoffs competing for a championship,” he said.
When looking at his roster, Tompkins sees a solid core of players he can put on the field.
“I feel as though we have a good nucleus of guys in key positions that will help guide us though this season. We will work on developing our players and keeping everyone healthy while preparing for October. I feel as though we have a great chance at being a top contender,” he said.
The Panthers went 4-7-3 last season and the key loss from that team will be goaltender Spencer Garrison. Garrison brought athleticism and leadership to a key position on the field. They will count on a lot of different players to fill the void.
Gavin Miller is a smart player and will get minutes as an offensive playmaker. Freshman Caleb Harris shows high soccer smarts and will transition well to the high school game. Dustin Pryor is labeled by Tompkins as a “workhorse” and will be a force in a variety of positions. Pryor will be a key to the Panther success all season. Zach Crouch will be in the defensive end and also will fill in as the back-up goalie.
Taylor Campbell is another versatile player who will be seen in a variety of positions and performs at a high level. Chandler Garrison will be primarily a defender, although he can also serve the ball well for offensive chances. Alex Boulier is strong, both left- and right-footed, and will be a tough matchup for the opposition. He will create a variety of opportunities offensively all over the field. Riley McGrath will play a big role as the anchor of the midfield as he brings a wealth of experience. Clark Bradbury should be the team’s lock-down defender as he held down that role a year ago. Nick Dominque also brings versatility to the field as he can excel at many different positions.
Dane Kingsbury is a leader on the field and will be counted on to help the Panthers’ push to the playoffs. Colby Kingsbury will see key minutes in the midfield and the freshman will also be a back-up goalie on the squad. Lane Grass, another freshman, is aggressive and will see key minutes in the defensive end. Luke Kearney is another one of those versatile players that can excel anywhere on the field. Zach McClung is a captain on the team, and his leadership in the defensive end will help the young squad with his effective communication skills. Cody Clayton, another captain, will be a key in the offensive end at the striker position.
Lastly, Hunter Crouse will anchor the goal, and Tompkins believes that “he has the most potential of any keeper I have ever seen in Aroostook County.”
Tompkins sees Class D as very balanced this season with a lot of teams able to contend.
“Every game is going to be a crucial game for all teams. Preparing mentally and physically for each game will be keys to success later in the year,” he said.
The Panthers got off to a good start, having opened with a pair of wins over two solid squads in Fort Fairfield and Washburn.
