JSMS boys and girls soccer look to finish the season off strong - By Jim Beers

The Jordan-Small Middle School girls and boys soccer teams have enjoyed great success this season. With two games left on the schedule, both teams look to finish off the year strong. The girls’ team really started the year well going 3-0-2 in their first five games, before losing the next two. They have now upped that record to 6-3-2 and are one of the stronger teams in recent memory for coach Charlie Miller.

"We had a few rookies at the beginning of the season who have developed into soccer players to this point, and that's been the theme of the whole team. They have absolutely gelled as a team. I'm really impressed with our defense and how hard all the girls work on both sides of the ball. This is one the best teams I've coached in a long time," said Miller. 

The girls are led offensively by seventh grader Carlee Desrochers, who has poured in 15 goals in 11 games. 

"I'm having fun practicing and playing with the team. It's been an exciting season, I love all my teammates," said Desrochers. Eighth grade left-winger Sam Phinney has kicked in nine goals herself on the year. On the defensive side, the Lady Roadrunners are led by the strong line of Sophie Sangster, Grace Schmader, Kaitlyn Geddicks and Hannah Bernier. Peyton Hutchinson, Carlee Richmond, Amber Rickett Tori Schmader and Sophie Gardner (before her injury) patrol the midfield for Raymond. Goalie Riley Silvia, a seventh grader has been solid in net all year long and directs traffic from her position on the field. 

"I love our defense in front of me, they really work hard. I'm having fun playing and really love playing goal, we have improved so much," said Silvia. The Girls finish out the season this week against Oak Hill on Wednesday at home and away at Sacopee Valley on Friday. 

On the boys’ team and after losing the first two games of the season, they have been on a serious roll. Going 8-0-1 in their last nine games, the boys have turned themselves into a force to be reckoned with. Taking down two undefeated teams within that streak, including a first-time win over Waynflete ever--in soccer, Raymond is looking to win out their schedule. The Roadrunners use a balanced attack in scoring their goals. Leading the way offensively is eighth grader Andrew Wing, who has 21 goals thru 11 matches. Backing him up nicely is seventh grader Lucas Pongratz with eight goals. Colby Dionne follows with five scores, and RJ Plummer and Devon Griffeth have booted in four goals apiece. 

"It’s been a great learning experience this year," said Wing. "I'm excited about the season we have had, it's been a lot of fun and I just want to keep trying to make my teammates better," he added. 

On the defensive side, Raymond's goalie Jamie Louko has been outstanding. The small in stature seventh grader, more than makes up for that with his big play in the goalie box. He's made some incredible saves to preserve wins for the team. Helping him on defense are eighth graders Stearns Wallingford, Johnny Lawlor, Cooper Gaudet, Stratty Demakis, Avery Lind and Noah Worthing. The midfield is controlled by Deven Young and Brandon Wood, who often mark the opposing team's best players. Raymond has a strong core of seventh graders who have made big strides this year in terms of getting better and playing middle school competition. The boys also finish out this week against Oak Hill at home on Wednesday and away at Sacopee Valley on Friday.