Newsletter #28...Farewell, 2025

A special New Year's Eve newsletter to look back on a year that featured a little bit of everything...

A year ago, the New England Patriots were wandering in the non-competitive wilderness and this website wasn't even a figment of my imagination.

Much has changed since 2024 flipped to 2025 and the past 365 days have seen no shortage of epic high school sports events.

Athletes and teams from the coverage area have excelled and championships won have been a regular occurrence.

Here's a look back at a memorable and triumphant year and some of the biggest events:

Feb. 15

The day after Valentine's Day, Cheverus' girls' hockey team stole hearts and won the state championship in a fashion that Hollywood producers would have scoffed at. The Stags rallied to beat Brunswick, 3-2, in overtime, as sophomore Caroline Rousseau scored the decisive goal, giving her father, Scott Rousseau, Cheverus' coach, his third consecutive crown.

Cheverus girls rally, earn three-peat with palpitating OT win over Brunswick

Stags erase a third period deficit, prevail, 3-2, on Caroline Rousseau’s game-winner.

The Portland Press HeraldMichael HofferForecaster/Leader/Sentry

Feb. 28

The final night of February is one that the Falmouth boys' basketball team will never forget. The Navigators rallied late to force overtime, then beat Messalonskee, 70-60, in a thrilling Class A state final, as senior Davis Mann etched his name into legend with a 43-point tour de force.

Simply undeniable! Falmouth rallies to stun Messalonskee in Class A state final

Davis Mann’s 43-point masterpiece leads Navigators to first title in nine years, 70-60, in an overtime instant classic.

The Portland Press HeraldMichael HofferForecaster/Leader/Sentry

March 1

Two local teams brought home Class AA Gold Balls on the first of March at the Cross Insurance Arena.

First, the South Portland girls ended a 39-year drought by outlasting Cheverus, the defending champion, 54-48, for the program's third all-time Gold Ball.

South Portland girls dethrone Cheverus to capture elusive Gold Ball

Red Riots lead most of the way, earn first title since 1986 with a 54-48 victory.

The Portland Press HeraldMichael HofferForecaster/Leader/Sentry

Next up, Windham's boys managed to repeat, barely, by edging South Portland in an instant classic, 55-52.

South Portland boys drop heartbreaker to Windham in state final

Red Riots can’t hold fourth quarter lead, fall one win shy of title with a 55-52 setback.

The Portland Press HeraldMichael HofferForecaster/Leader/Sentry

March 8

The final winter title was won by the Cheverus/Yarmouth boys' hockey co-op team, which captured Class B for the second consecutive year, thanks to two goals from junior Colby Carnes.

Cheverus/Yarmouth repeats as Class B state champion

A four-goal third period breaks it open and Cheverus/Yarmouth defeats John Bapst, 5-1.

The Portland Press HeraldMichael HofferForecaster/Leader/Sentry

Later that day, Thornton Academy won the Class A championship, beating Kents Hills, 3-2, on the big stage.

June 20

The first local title of the spring sports season went to the North Yarmouth Academy boys' lacrosse team, which held off Marancook/Winthrop, 9-7, behind five goals from Gavin Thomas.

NYA boys save best for last, edge Maranacook/Winthrop to win Class C crown

PORTLAND—A three-goal lead had turned into a one-goal deficit, but North Yarmouth Academy’s boys’ lacrosse team wasn’t about buckle Friday evening at Memorial Field. Instead, the Panthers absorbed the best shot that Maranacook/Winthrop could deliver, then finished strong to bring home the big prize. Thanks to some talented

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

June 21

Championship Saturday was a day that no one involved will ever forget, as four local lacrosse teams finished atop the heap and one baseball and one softball squad also were crowned champion.

The day began with Windham's girls' lacrosse team beating Kennebunk, 12-9, to win a state title for the first time in program history. Sensational junior Abby Trainor led the way with five goals.

Windham leads wire-to-wire, beats Kennebunk for first state championship

PORTLAND—Nerves? What nerves? Windham’s girls’ lacrosse team wasn’t the least bit scared when it took to the Fitzpatrick Stadium turf Saturday morning to face longtime big-game participant Kennebunk in the the Eagles’ first ever foray to the Class A state final. That’s because Windham knew it belonged and knew

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

The next state game featured the biggest upset in memory, as Thornton Academy's boys, which had lost twice to reigning champion and undefeated powerhouse Falmouth in the regular season, by a composite score of 38-13, turned the tables on the big stage, executed a slow-down game plan to perfection and captured the crown in jaw-dropping fashion, 8-6, behind 16 saves from junior goalie Colin Pennell.

TA boys spring historic upset, shock seemingly invincible Falmouth in state game

PORTLAND—Falmouth’s boys’ lacrosse team was touted as the best in state history. As it turned out, the Navigators weren’t even the best in the state this spring. Instead, that title goes to Thornton Academy. After the Golden Trojans pulled off the most epic upset in state annals in Saturday’s

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

The Class B lacrosse games were next and for the second year in a row, the Yarmouth and York boys produced a game for the ages. With a similar result. The contest would be decided in overtime, where the reigning champion Clippers managed to repeat on a goal from junior Hakon Yeo, who, as a sophomore, scored the tying goal late in regulation in the state game against the Wildcats. Junior Ian Minnihan's five goals helped pace Yarmouth's back-to-back effort.

Deja vu all over again! Yarmouth beats York in OT once more, repeats as Class B champions

PORTLAND—Who says lightning can’t strike twice? Not Hakon Yeo. And not the Yarmouth or York boys’ lacrosse teams. Who Saturday afternoon at Fitzpatrick Stadium, took last year’s overtime Class B state game for the ages and raised the bar. Producing another epic. With an eerily similar result. This time

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

Freeport's girls then capped the best season in program history, an undefeated campaign, which ended with a hard-fought 11-9 win over Mt. Ararat. The Falcons were led by superstar seniors Lana DiRusso (four goals) and Mia Levesque (three goals).

Freeport girls down Mt. Ararat to win Class B title in perfect fashion

PORTLAND—Perfection isn’t for the faint of heart. It doesn’t come easily, as Freeport’s girls’ lacrosse team discovered this grueling week, but in the end, if you can attain it, you’ll be immortalized. The Falcons, the top team in Class B all season, ran into the squad that was a

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

On the diamond, Windham's softball team, four days after ending Cheverus' reign and gaining a measure of revenge for an agonizing regional final loss the year before, won its second Gold Glove in three seasons by virtue of a 7-0 win over Oxford Hills. Senior ace Kennedy Kimball's two-hit shutout effort on the mound led the way.

Windham softball leaves no doubt, blanks EL in state final

There was no letdown. Just excellence. And jubilation. Saturday afternoon at Richard W. Bailey Field, on the campus of St. Joseph’s College, Windham’s softball team culminated a year-long quest to return to the Class A pinnacle. Doing so in nearly perfect fashion. With everyone contributing. In a dazzling wire-to-wire 7-0

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

The final championship of spring was won in the most dramatic way possible. Greely's baseball team, which had suffered a litany of agonizing postseason defeats in previous seasons, finally broke through, rallying from down three runs, down to its final out, to beat Ellsworth, 6-5, on Wes Piper's mad dash to score the final run.

Greely’s miracle rally produces first state title in a decade

Sometimes you have to endure agony to truly appreciate ecstasy. Sometimes, you’ve just got to believe. And sometimes, the baseball gods are simply on your side. The Greely Rangers, one year removed from arguably the most painful loss in program history, got to taste the other end of the spectrum

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

Nov. 1

The first title of fall went to Gorham's volleyball team, which won a third straight Class A title, beating first-time finalist Thornton Academy in four sets. Junior Liana Edwards led the way with 22 assists and seven kills.

Gorham three-peats at TA’s expense

GORHAM—Repeat after me. Gorham is the best Class A volleyball team in the state. Again. Saturday evening at the Fifield Court on the campus of the University of Southern Maine, just a long hit away from their campus, the Rams capped a season of growth with a familiar celebration,

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

Nov. 8

Soccer and field hockey took center-stage on the second Saturday of November, as four more titles were won.

Cheverus' field hockey team won Class A for a third straight season, but it wasn't easy. The Stags, who had to rally from two-goals down to stun Biddeford in the regional final, let a 2-0 lead slip away against perennial powerhouse Skowhegan in the state final before sophomore Jaylee Radford's late goal produced a 3-2 victory.

Cheverus’ late-game magic beats Skowhegan, produces third straight Class A crown

LEWISTON—It was another Cheverus-Skowhegan state final instant classic. With a familiar ending. Saturday afternoon at Don Roux Field on the campus of Lewiston High School, the two-time champion Stags once again had to solve the River Hawks, the state’s most storied and accomplished program, to reach the pinnacle. And

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

On the pitch, the first title to be won went to Cape Elizabeth's girls, who capped a perfect 18-0 season with a decisive 3-0 win over Hermon in the Class B Final, behind two goals from senior Hailey Gorman and another from sophomore Haisel McGeachey.

Cape girls blank Hermon to capture Class B championship

AUBURN—The perfect team enjoyed the perfect ending. The Cape Elizabeth Capers, who steamrolled the competition from the get-go this autumn, faced their final test when they took to the pitch at Red Eddies’ Field on the campus of Edward Little High School Saturday morning to battle last year’s state

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

Yarmouth's boys needed overtime to win in the semifinals, regional final and again in the Class B state game, 2-1, over Oceanside, as senior Zacarias Binda played the hero. After falling short in 2024, the Clippers were back on top.

Yarmouth boys cap dramatic title run with OT win over Oceanside in Class B Final

Yarmouth’s boys’ soccer team has won more state titles than anyone else. Seventeen of them to be precise. But it’s safe to say that the Clippers have never produced a championship run quite like this one.

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

Scarborough's boys hadn't won a Gold Ball since 2013, but thanks to a late goal from senior Denver Bachmann, the Red Storm were able to defeat Brunswick and win Class A, 2-1, to cap an 18-0 campaign.

Scarborough’s boys end 12-year drought, win Class A title in dramatic fashion

To say that the Scarborough boys’ soccer team was on a mission this autumn would be an epic understatement. After falling in the Class A state final in two of the past three seasons, the senior-laden Red Storm knew this year was now or never. So they went out and

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

Nov. 22

All that was left was football and three local teams captured championships.

One year after taking home an eight-man large school championship, Greely moved up to Class C, didn't lose a game and capped its title run with a shockingly emphatic 41-6 win over Leavitt in the state game. Junior quarterback Luke Piper accounted for 227 total yards and three touchdowns.

Greely caps perfect season, dominates Leavitt in Class C state game

There was never a doubt. Not in Cumberland or North Yarmouth anyway. One year after capturing an 8-man large school state title, Greely’s juggernaut football team added its first 11-man Gold Ball Saturday afternoon in Lewiston, beating perennial powerhouse Leavitt with surprising ease, 41-6, capping an 11-0 campaign and extending

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

After a year away, Thornton Academy returned to the Class A pinnacle, shutting out reigning champion Portland, 28-0, earning a measure of revenge for a loss in the 2024 state game. The Golden Trojans were led, once again, by dynamic senior running back Connor Ayoob, who scored all four TDs and gained 233 yards on 32 carries.

TA blanks Portland, returns to Class A pinnacle

PORTLAND—In the end, the Thornton Academy Golden Trojans just wouldn’t be denied. And while the reigning champion Portland Bulldogs gave them all they handle in the Class A state final Saturday morning/afternoon at Fitzpatrick Stadium, the Golden Trojans came up big on the defensive end early in the

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

The final champion of the calendar year was the most inspirational and most improbable. The Westbrook Blue Blazes, a team which won just twice in 2024 and had no gridiron pedigree to speak of, went on a magical run all the way to the state final where they handled highly-touted Cony, 40-20, behind the brilliance of senior quarterback Gio Staples, to win a championship for the first time in program history.

Westbrook’s wonder boys beat Cony for historic first state title

PORTLAND—The 2025 Westbrook Blue Blazes now belong to the ages. After the best story of the high school football season produced an ending almost impossible to believe. Saturday afternoon at Fitzpatrick Stadium, the Blue Blazes, who had never even played in a regional final, not to mention a state

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

What a year it was and there wasn't just news on the field/court/pitch.

April 13

Hoffer's High School Sports is launched.

That first day saw 80 subscribers sign up (67 as paid members).

As the year comes to a close, I'm humbled and proud to report we're at 1,000 and the site is bolstered by the support of our exclusive sponsor, cPort Credit Union.

I can't say thank you enough to all who supported my vision and who read my stories and encourage me.

I can't wait to see what 2026 will bring.

Here's more newslettery stuff...

Greely football standout to play in college

Greely senior Ben Kyles, who played integral roles on both baseball and football state championship teams in 2025, recently announced that he's planning to play football at the next level.

Kyles, who was a member of the HHSS football all-star team, will play for Division II Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire.

In case you missed it...

Game stories since the last newsletter...

South Portland girls down Biddeford in a thriller

Yarmouth, Gray-NG split hoops doubleheader

Greely girls beat York on late foul shots

Yarmouth/Freeport beats Cheverus in possible state game preview

Cheverus girls stay undefeated with win over Windham

Windham boys continue surge by beating Cheverus

South Portland boys defeat Westbrook

Greely girls knock off Freeport

Portland boys hand South Portland first setback

Scarborough boys shoot their way past Portland

TA boys continue surge with victory over Falmouth

Media

My Dec. 23 WGAN spot with Matt Gagnon:

https://wgan.com/morning-news/hoffers-high-school-sports-14/

And my Dec. 30 WGAN spot with Matt:

https://wgan.com/morning-news/hoffers-high-school-sports-15/

My Dec. 19 Middays with Mannix & Mannix spot on WJAB:

https://thebigjab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MMM-12-19-25-Michael-Hoffer.mp3

Prediction time

My popular, prescient Patriots pick (10-6 to date):

This week's guess:

Patriots 24 Dolphins 17

The regular season finale is hard to get a grasp on, but the game means a lot, as the Patriots need to win to secure the No. 2 seed. I don't see Miami putting up much of a fight if they fall behind early, but they do pose more problems than the woeful Jets did. Ultimately, a better-than-anyone-could-have-dreamed regular season will end in style.

Features

Hoffer's High School Sports, in conjunction with cPort Credit Union, named two Athletes of the Week since our last newsletter.

This first was Cheverus girls' basketball star Kylie Lamson:

HHSS/cPort Athlete of the Week

Each week this season, Hoffer’s High School Sports/cPort Credit Union will select an Athlete of the Week. The winner will receive a drawstring bag with the HHSS/cPort logo. This week’s selection is…

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

This week's winner was Cheverus/Yarmouth boys' hockey player Hakon Yeo:

HHSS/cPort Athlete of the Week

Each week this season, Hoffer’s High School Sports/cPort Credit Union will select an Athlete of the Week. The winner will receive a drawstring bag with the HHSS/cPort logo. This week’s selection is…

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

Tuesday brought the latest Super-Six polls for basketball and hockey:

HHSS Super-Six Polls

Every Tuesday throughout the season, Hoffer’s High School Sports will present Super-Six polls for boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, boys’ hockey and girls’ hockey. The polls only include teams from our coverage area, which is essentially Cumberland County, plus Thornton Academy. Here are this week’s polls, which consider games played through

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

Our most recent Hoffer's High School Sports podcast features Westbrook football coach Sam Johnson, as we relive the best story of the year, on the final day of the year:

Hoffer’s High School Sports Podcast, Episode 17...Sam Johnson

This week’s podcast guest is Sam Johnson, the coach of Westbrook’s first-ever football state champion, arguably the biggest story of 2025. Johnson reflects on his team’s magical run, the games won, community support and the players he coached. Prior to the Johnson interview, Tim and I talk about the memorable

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

And finally...

Each Fall Player of the Year gets some HHSS swag.

Thornton Academy football standout Connor Ayoob got his T-shirt earlier this week.

Happy New Year, everyone.

I hope 2026 is good to all of us!!

Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffersports@yahoo.com