The Presque Isle boys soccer team made history on several different levels when the Wildcats defeated Freeport in the Nov. 3 Class B state championship match.
The win allowed the North to break a 25-year losing streak to the South in the Class B competition. The state title was the first in the sport of soccer in school history and the championship served as the first in a boys’ sport at Presque Isle High School since the cross country team last won it way back in 1962.
In the aftermath of the historic victory, a few players and a coach weighed in on topics such as the motivation following last year’s loss in the quarterfinals despite being the No. 1 team, the cohesiveness of this year’s squad, contributing to a title as an injured player, the factors that went into the comeback against Freeport, and the emotions after the game-winning goal.
Colby Carlisle, sophomore forward: “We had a great team both this year and last year, but I think the make or break of this year’s team was our willingness to fight and never give up. Last year’s team wanted to win, but I think this year, we were driven to win for ourselves but also to win it for our fellow teammates and we wanted to enjoy it as a group. We just had so much fight and composure. We might not be the most skilled team in the league but we made it up with our hearts and work ethic.”
Jacob Sjoberg, senior defender: “Last year’s loss was really a wake-up call to our team. We realized that in the playoffs, it doesn’t matter if you’re the better team or even if you outplay the other team. One slip up could be the end of your season. Even though we probably would’ve liked a different outcome in that game, I think what we learned from it proved to be a reason we were so successful this year. We knew we had to come focused every time we stepped on the field.”
Zechariah Morse, senior midfielder and team captain: “Our team knew we had to work hard every day throughout the season and we showed up to practice ready to do whatever it took. Winning a Northern Maine championship was one of the happiest moments in my life as all the work we put in had finally paid off. We got right back to work the next day working to win a state game. When we won, I could not believe it. It is probably the greatest moment of my life. Another thing that I think helped our team succeed this year was the fact that we spent a lot of time together. Almost every night before a game we would have carb nights at the Carlisle’s house and this helped build team chemistry.”
Tim McCue, 13-year assistant coach: “What stands out to me about this team is their cohesiveness and laser focus. They understood the value of hard work and took no lazy steps. Their outstanding character was a joy to behold. This group of young men set the bar of excellence very high without any ego. Their composure stretched far beyond their years. Each and everyone of them had the heart of a champion.”
Jacob Bonville, junior forward: “Our chemistry was unmatched. I don’t know another team in Maine that works better than us. No matter where we found ourselves in a game, we kept our heads up, didn’t complain and went to the whistle. One of the main reasons we were good this year was because of the fact that we stood together.”
Kyler Caron, senior midfielder: “When we were down 2-0 in the state championship, I had this weird feeling that something big was coming. When I scored the first goal, that kind of gave the situation we were in some light. When Torey [Levesque] scored the second, I got chills because I knew we could do it. I knew we could before, but tying it up against a very good team into the second half just was so amazing. We battled a very good team into double overtime where Drew [Cameron] scored the game winner. When I saw the ball hit the net I couldn’t keep my emotions in. It was so surreal. My favorite part was seeing how happy Coach Greaves was. He and coaches McCue and Cronin are definitely such great coaches and they deserve this just as much as we do.”
Connor DeMerchant, junior forward: “This team was special because we always picked each other up. Unlike most teams that we played, we stayed together as a team and never broke down. I think the main reason we were able to come back against Freeport was the result of working hard since day one. Our coaches pushed us all year and made sure we were going to be mentally and physically tough for that scenario. Every single player on our team was able to dig deep enough to force the comeback.”
Torey Levesque, senior defender and team captain: “The comeback was a dream come true and was the perfect ending for a hard-working group of guys that really deserved a historical championship. My teammates are the best players anyone could ask for. Hard working, skilled players who don’t complain and aren’t about individual talent. Easily the most dedicated, hard working group of guys around the state who showed what will happen after you put your mind to something.”
Drew Cameron, senior midfielder: “I wanted to end my soccer career as a Wildcat on a high note, and I did just that. Coach knew from the start that he wanted to coach winners and winners have to work hard and fight for every win. I think our hard work and determination showed in that state final game. Not every team can come back from a 2-0 deficit. We poured our hearts into that game. Some of the guys on our team have a quote, ‘gritty not pretty,’ and it fits our situation and style of play.”
Jason Dumais, injured senior goalkeeper: “It’s hard for any player to be a starter and then have to sit on the sidelines, but it takes a stronger teammate to not let that bother you and stay loyal to the team. When you have that mindset, you only focus on what you can control. Coach Greaves and Coach McCue let me work with Mason [Young, the starting goalkeeper] and Xavier [McAtee, the backup goalkeeper] and would trust me working with them. I wanted to win so I taught them how to be a better goalie from my experiences in the net. I was very proud of how Mason showed up during the state game and made multiple saves in the crazy weather conditions we had that day. I’m proud to be a part of this team, I am proud of my teammates and the coaches, and I am proud to be a Presque Isle Wildcat.”
Jonah Hudson, senior defender and team captain: “I’ve been on a lot of great teams but this team was special. Our team chemistry was perfect and everyone believed in each other. It was truly a starting lineup full of leaders who everyone looked up to. When things got hard, everyone of us stepped up to the plate. It’s crazy to think that our names will be on the gym wall forever and that gold ball we won will be in the trophy case forever. There have been a lot of great players that have gone through Presque Isle High School that haven’t brought it home. You could say that this win is for all the Wildcats that never got the chance to bring home the gold ball.”
