A pair of teams with strong Class A resumes will play for the Class B state championship today at Hampden Academy.

Both Western Maine champion Cape Elizabeth (14-2-1) and Eastern Maine champ Waterville (16-1-0) played in Class A last season. The Capers have won five Class A titles overall, the last in 1999, while Waterville won the last of its six Class A championships in 2008.

The Purple Panthers will have their work cut out for them. Cape Elizabeth returns the majority of the team that lost 2-1 in the Western Maine playoffs last season to eventual Class A state champion Scarborough.

“There was a big freshman group last year,” Cape Elizabeth coach Craig Fannon said. “They have a year’s experience under their belts. And the seniors made the semis two years ago. It’s a senior group that’s still hungry for success.”

Fannon hasn’t seen Waterville play but said “I know they’re going to be pretty strong,” while Waterville coach Ian Wilson has watched the Capers play.

“They’re very strong down the middle of the field,” Wilson said, adding they employ “a very physical style.”

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Sophomore center midfielder Montana Braxton is one of Caper’s top players while junior forward Kathryn Clark lead the team in scoring with 22 goals and 10 assists. Sophomore forward Kate Breed scored a pair of goals in the Western Maine final while seniors Phoebe Shields and Elise Flathers are strong defenders in front of goalie Mary Perkins.

Waterville knocked off unbeaten Hermon in part by double-teaming top scorer Kaitlin Saulter.

“It’s similar to being able to beat Hermon,” Wilson said of today’s game. Waterville beat Hermon in the Eastern B final, 2-1 in double overtime. “You have to take away what they do well.”

The Purple Panthers are a well-rounded team, strong from back to front. Junior Pilar Elias leads them in scoring with 45 goals while senior Lydia Roy has 25. But they have a number of other capable scorers.

Cape Elizabeth, arguably, played a tougher schedule in Western Maine, but Wilson isn’t putting a lot of stock in that.

“A few years ago (before the 2008 final) we heard the same talk,” he said. “It’s only a factor if you allow it to be a factor. The principles of soccer remain the same.”

Gary Hawkins — 621-5638ghawkins@centralmaine.comTwitter: @GaryHawkinsKJ


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