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2008 Power Players, Week 11

Brian Miller, Andover: The sophomore basketball standout continues to grow as a receiver. Against Methuen, the 6-foot, 170-pounder made two catches for 45 yards and a 25-yard touchdown from John Hennessy (200 passing yards).

Coaches' Corner: Keri Forrest, North Reading Volleyball

The North Reading girls volleyball team has grown into a powerhouse. The Hornets, who are fed by TWO JV squads, won the Division 3 state championship last year, and have advanced to at least the North finals each of the past six years.

Another shot at a title

LYNN — The Newburyport girls soccer team’s march for a second consecutive state title has only one step remaining.
The Clippers advanced to the Division 3 state final last evening with a 1-0 double-overtime victory over Division 3 South sectional champion Cohasset. Only 22 seconds remained before the game entered its final stage — penalty kicks — when Hannah McCormick kept Newburyport’s run for back-to-back titles intact. She scored the goal from 12 yards out, slipping a high shot past Cohasset goalie Johanna Brophy.
The Clippers (19-2-2) extended their state-tournament win streak to 11 games, dating back to the Division 3 state semifinal in 2006. The Clippers have gone 61-5-3 over the last three seasons, including two state championship game appearances.
“Winning states once takes a lot of good fortune — not just a good team,” Newburyport coach Robb Gonnam said. “To get to the state championship game one time is incredible — a source of honor, ego and pride. But it also puts a huge target on your back. Every game we’ve played has had huge emotional pressure. We’ve been living with that for three years.”
The cornerstone of the team’s success is a senior class that includes the leading goal-scorer in the program’s history, Jillian Kinter, and two other three-time All-Cape Ann League selections, Laura Muise and Taylor Bresnahan. In all, 11 seniors will play their final game Saturday when the Clippers face the winner of last night’s late game between Central champion Sutton and Western champ Monson. Along with the “Big Three,” Micaela Hogan, Taylor Whitehill, Lauren Bertone, Avery Cullinan, Abigail Casey, Elyana Krusemark, Mary Ryan and Caroline Barnaby will put on the Newburyport uniform for the final time.
Even with the mass senior-class exodus, the Clippers figure to remain competitive as long as Gonnam remains. Recognized as one of the top coaches in the state, he is immersed in the local youth soccer league and instills his offensive and defensive philosophies in Newburyport players at an early age. Many of the youth-league players serve as ball girls during regular-season and state-tournament games, dreaming of one day playing for the historically successful program.
“This team has won three North sectionals,” Gonnam said. “For three years in a row, we’ve won at least four tournament games. If you look back at other teams in history, it’s really a unique accomplishment. Going through the stress of being No. 1 and staying there, that’s really impressive. We have to be at our absolute best every game. It’s a tribute to any team that can get this far.”

Stunning late drive sends Pinkerton to title game

DERRY, N.H. — Pinkerton’s Colton Desmarais grabbed for the ball in traffic, clung to it as a fell to the ground, then held it over his head in celebration as he was mobbed by his teammates.

North Reading stunned by Millis

HUDSON — North Reading players lined up on the service line, all in disbelief, as underdog Millis was awarded the Division 3 state championship plaque.

After dropping the first two games, North Reading mounted a comeback, but the Hornets fell victim to some costly mistakes as the Mohawks took the crown 25-20, 25-23, 21-25, 25-21.

One step short of perfection

HUDSON — It serves as another step up the ladder for the Central Catholic volleyball program, but that doesn’t stop the pain.

The Raiders were swept by Medfield, 25-18, 25-18, 25-14 in the Division 2 State final yesterday afternoon, marking the only blemish on an otherwise flawless campaign.

Rivera keeps Greater Lawrence rolling

WEST ANDOVER — If Angel Rivera was going to decide the outcome, he knew that it would take a blessing from above.

“Before I got the ball, I just prayed to my parents,” said Rivera of his mother and father, who have both passed away. “I pray to them all the time.”

On the Verge: Halfback Verge's career day leads Pinkerton

DERRY, N.H. —  Pinkerton’s Colby Verge needed only two carries — two carries — to change the fate of two teams’ seasons.

The senior halfback rushed the ball only twice, for touchdowns of 43 and 40 yards. The second, with 44 seconds left in the game, gave the Astros a 19-15 victory over Londonderry and their fifth straight trip to the Division 1 state championship.

Whittier clinches playoff berth in shutout win

LYNN — For the second time in two weeks, head coach Kevin Bradley was treated to a Gatorade shower by a few of his celebratory players.

“You know, the feeling is fantastic. It never gets old. I could take this all the time,” Bradley said.

Pelham to defend Div. 5 title

PELHAM, N.H. — “We got one more. We got one more.”

Right after the post-game handshake following a convincing 28-6 victory over fourth-seeded Kearsarge yesterday, Pelham standout Bruce Vieira reminded his teammates there was more work to be done. Not really a surprise from someone who backed up his amped-up behavior on the field with visions of success both on a short- and long-term basis.

Pelham to defend Div. 5 title

PELHAM, N.H. — “We got one more. We got one more.”

Right after the post-game handshake following a convincing 28-6 victory over fourth-seeded Kearsarge yesterday, Pelham standout Bruce Vieira reminded his teammates there was more work to be done. Not really a surprise from someone who backed up his amped-up behavior on the field with visions of success both on a short- and long-term basis.

Flags spoil Timberlane title bid in semis

PLAISTOW, N.H. –  On a playoff day where points were at a premium, Timberlane Regional left two scores on the field.

Coaches' Corner: Bob Royce, Pinkerton athletic director

It's no wonder Pinkerton athletic director Bob Royce ended up where he is today. He inherited his love of sports and academics from his parents, and his passion for Pinkerton from his wife.

"My dad was a very successful baseball coach and teacher at the high school level in Vermont. I came from a family that put importance on education and sports," Royce recalled.

2008 Power Players, Week 10

Chris Newton, Andover: After seeing little playing time earlier in the season, the sophomore linebacker made the best of his opportunity in the Golden Warriors’ 29-21 loss to Dover, N.H. He made nine tackles and notched a sack.

Coaches' Corner: Deb Littlefield, Whittier volleyball

Deb Littlefield wasn't looking to become the Whittier girls varsity volleyball coach. But she sure is glad she took the opportunity.

"(Whittier athletic director and football coach) Kevin Bradley, who I'd gotten to know from coaching his daughter in an elite summer league, had the opening a few years ago and asked if I'd do it," Littlefield said. "I come from a coaching family — my father's a long-time football, wrestling and boys track coach back in Iowa — but I wasn't sure what it would feel like to be the one holding the clipboard and standing on the sideline. But it's turned out to be wonderful fun."