HODGDON, Maine — If last year’s success is any indication, the Hodgdon boys soccer team should be in fine form as the team embarks on its new season.
In what was a COVID-19-shortened year that saw Aroostook County teams only play against each other, Hodgdon rolled to an impressive 8-0 record and was the top-ranked team in the Aroostook County League.
The Hawks fell to Presque Isle, a Class B school, 3-0 in the Aroostook County semifinals. The team did not get a chance to play in the consolation finals against Caribou due to an outbreak on the Viking squad.
“I feel like the team will have a good season if we can keep everyone healthy,” fifth-year coach Jason Little said. “We have lots of senior leadership and many younger players who can contribute as well.”
Coach Little said the squad benefited greatly from a summer soccer clinic with coaches from the University of Maine at Fort Kent.
“Having the UMFK clinic helped us learn a new style of soccer and taught the players different techniques to use,” he said. “We have some tough games on the schedule that we don’t know much about due to the alternate schedule from last year.”
On Monday, Aug. 16, the Hawks opened their season with a tough 2-0 loss to Easton. Scoring goals for Easton were Owen Sweeney and Trey Brewer.
Cody Nadeau made eight saves on 14 shots for Easton, while Drew Duttweiler and Kameryn Matheson combined for 10 saves on 12 shots for Hodgdon.
Unfortunately, that game has been the only one the Hawks have been able to play as the team learned the following day that one of their players had tested positive for COVID-19 and the team was required to cease all activities for 10 days.
The Hawks lost several key players from last year’s team to graduation, but coach Little remains confident that his team will be competitive in every game.
“We have many quick players and the guys never give up,” he said. “Our fullbacks are made up of several senior leaders, with a good mixture of players up front and in the midfield. In goal, we have several options based on game flow and have a deep bench when players need a break.”
Members of the Hawk roster are: seniors Damin Harris (midfield/fullback), Lucas Matheson (fullback), Josh McGillicuddy (striker), Caleb Nash (fullback), Samuel Adams (midfield), Anton Mowery (wing), Kameryn Matheson (goalie/midfield), Garrett Estabrook (fullback) and TJ Fitzpatrick (fullback); and juniors Drew Duttweiler (goalie/midfield), Sam Duff (midfield), Alexander Morris (fullback), Hunter Quint (fullback/goalie) and Abram Nason (fullback).
The sophomores are Osin Gardiner (wing), Joseph Griffin (midfield), and Reiley Wright (fullback); and the freshmen are Hunter Duttweiler (midfield/wing), Brody Little (midfield/wing) and Alex Sherman (fullback).
“I hope that we can get our younger players a lot of playing time alongside the seniors, as we will be losing a big portion of our team this year,” coach Little said. “Another hope would be to play with patience and take advantage of scoring opportunities when they are there.”
HODGDON, Maine — August 16, 2021 — Hodgdon goalie Drew Duttweiler focuses on the ball as he prepares to make a diving save during an Aug. 16 boys soccer game against Easton. The visiting Bears won 2-0. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HODGDON, Maine — August 16, 2021 — Hodgdon’s Josh McGillicuddy (left) battles with Easton’s Gus Bonner during a season-opening boys soccer match. Easton won 2-0. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HODGDON, Maine — August 16, 2021 — Hodgdon’s Oisin Gardiner (left) and Easton’s Dawson Lamoureau collide while going for the ball during an Aug. 16 boys soccer game in Hodgdon. Easton won 2-0. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HODGDON, Maine — August 16, 2021 — Chasing down the ball is Hodgdon’s Kameryn Matheson (right) alongside Easton’s Owen Sweeney during an Aug. 16 season-opening boys soccer game. Easton won 2-0. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HODGDON, Maine — August 16, 2021 — Easton’s Ben Wipperman (behind) crashes into Hodgdon’s Anton Mowery during an Aug. 16 soccer game. Easton won 2-0. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
