Newsletter # 1...Away we go
Let me begin my first Friday weekly newsletter with a heartfelt thank you.
To all of you who have subscribed to a site that is just getting off the ground.
Whether you're a free member just checking things out, or if you've committed to a monthly or an annual subscription.
Thank you to those of you who have read my stories.
And thank you to those who have provided comments, extremely valuable suggestions and most of all, encouragement.
When I decided to launch my own website, I had the thought that even though I'm far from technically savvy, it would be a simple process, that in the matter of minutes, or maybe a couple hours tops, I'd be producing content and would be off and running.
Not quite.
While Ghost.org, which provides the backbone of this site, has responsive technical support and is user-friendly, it's not idiot proof (hand raised).
There were some fits and starts and the site will likely be a work in progress for some time, but hoffershighschoolsports.com has come to life and for that, I am eternally grateful to all whom have helped out the past couple of weeks.
And if I may, let me ask that you continue to spread the word as I still have a long way to go to reach my subscriber goal.
Stories, stories and more stories
This site was set up to produce an abundance of stories and in roughly a week's time, there are already nine game stories and four spring sports previews available.
If you missed anything, you can find all the stories here: https://www.hoffershighschoolsports.com/
Some early thoughts on these very early games:
Falmouth's boys' lacrosse team has done nothing to contradict the notion that it could be one for the ages. The Navigators opened with an emphatic win over Thornton Academy and you have to figure they're only going to get better. Much better. And while there are other good teams in Class A, the gap between Falmouth and the field is pretty wide at the moment.
Cape Elizabeth and South Portland certainly produced an unforgettable season opener last Saturday. The Red Riots were on the brink of beating the Capers for the first time in a dozen all-time meetings, but the state's proudest and most accomplished program simply wouldn't be denied in a thrilling overtime win as Max Backman played the hero.
Cape Elizabeth then turned around and lost at Scarborough and at home to York, so go figure.
Elsewhere on the boys' lacrosse front, reigning Class B champion Yarmouth has started fast with a pair of victories, as has Gorham in Class A.
The first showdowns of the girls' lacrosse season were played this week. Reigning Class A champion Yarmouth beat Falmouth in a state game rematch, then held off York to get off to a fast start despite a new look. Freeport got a measure of revenge against Greely in a Class B state game rematch, but it didn't come easily. Thornton Academy, which won just twice in 2024, is already 2-1 with an impressive win at Cheverus on its resume. The young and exciting Golden Trojans are certainly a team to watch.
Baseball and softball are just gearing up and many teams have yet to play their opener. Teams that have played and impressed include two-time defending Class D softball champion North Yarmouth Academy, Greely softball (which has scored 32 runs in two games) and Waynflete/NYA baseball. Yarmouth's baseball team, the reigning Class B champion, opened with a wild 17-13 loss at York.
A face for radio
In conjunction with the launch of the site, I recently had an opportunity to promote it on television, radio and a pair of podcasts.
Here's how you can watch/listen:
Podcast with Lucas McNelly (Maine Basketball Rankings): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNf_4jxuqn0&si=Rgl4JqwIyyYAfgiG&fbclid=IwY2xjawJzrJhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFCVGJVRHZ5c3NwYUF6ZjBWAR4hCbep5bPD5r9NREe_lcJkyawbYiSatP4b7rSDzjuUbjhBB_H7Z6-qBfQ40A_aem_dgI_VF-nr6-GAjxH_YvQHA
ARC TV show with Jeff Peterson and Katie Sampson:
WGME Staff
Radio spot on Middays with Mannix and Mannix:
https://thebigjab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/MMM-4-18-25-MIchael-Hoffer.mp3
Smarter and Harder Podcast with Tim Eisenhart and Eli Small:
Polls
Back in my Forecaster days, I produced a Super6 poll of top teams in my coverage area.
I know it's very, very early, but I'm bringing it back as a weekly feature for the new coverage area, which includes schools from Thornton Academy to Freeport.
Here's my first stab for baseball, softball and lacrosse this spring:
Baseball
1 Scarborough
2 Gorham
3 Greely
4 Thornton Academy
5 South Portland
6 Cape Elizabeth
Softball
1 Cheverus
2 Windham
3 Gorham
4 Freeport
5 Scarborough
6 Greely
Boys' lacrosse
1 Falmouth
2 Yarmouth
3 Gorham
4 Scarborough
5 Cape Elizabeth
6 South Portland
Girls' lacrosse
1 Yarmouth
2 Freeport
3 Thornton Academy
4 Windham
5 Falmouth
6 Greely
A look ahead
The spring sports season begins in earnest for everyone next week and there are some exciting matchups on the horizon.
On Monday, Cape Elizabeth visits reigning Class B champion Yarmouth to renew the teams' baseball rivalry with some big Heal Points at stake in the early going. Cheverus' softball team goes to perennial power Scarborough. A sneaky-good early season girls' lacrosse contest features Yarmouth traveling to Cheverus.
Tuesday brings a rematch of last year's unforgettable Class B boys' lacrosse state game when York hopes to keep its early season momentum going and earn a dose of revenge at Yarmouth. Cape Elizabeth's girls get to measure themselves against visiting Kennebunk, a perennial powerhouse.
Wednesday, we bid adieu to April with a rematch of last year's Class B South baseball final, where Yarmouth, down to its last strike, somehow rallied to stun Greely. The Rangers go on the road hoping for revenge. A compelling softball contest sees Windham travel to dangerous South Portland.
We'll ring in a new month Thursday with Gorham's highly-touted baseball team getting its best test yet, as Falmouth pays a visit.
And you can look for newsletter number two right here, next Friday.
Until then, one parting thought on the Patriots' draft so far.
Yawn.
Have a great week everyone!
Michael
Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffersports@yahoo.com
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