RICHMOND — Whether its the end of the fall, winter or spring sports season, the Richmond Bobcats are usually one of the last teams standing.
One might think playing in so many high-stakes games, the butterflies would stop fluttering for the most battle-tested of the Richmond players.
The Bobcats are taking a long ride to Presque Isle on Saturday that couldn’t be further from the truth than that assumption.
“We’re used to it, but we get nervous. We get the jitters and it’s so wonderful,” senior defender Kalah Patterson said.
“I get goosebumps,” senior striker Kelsea Anair added.
On Saturday, Richmond faces defending state champion Ashland in a rematch of last year’s Class D state soccer championship (3 p.m., Dr. Gehrig T. Johnson Athletic Complex at Presque Isle Middle School). It is the sixth consecutive state title game and eighth in the last 10 years for the Bobcats.
In addition to the soccer success, much of this year’s team played on last spring’s softball team, which won its third state championship in a row. A few also wore Richmond uniforms in the 2013 state basketball championship and last year’s regional final.
As they make the near four-hour bus trip to Presque Isle for the eighth state championship game of their careers, the elders among the Bobcats won’t be taking anything for granted.
“We just stay level-headed and thankful for every chance we get to play and win and be surrounded by good teammates,” senior striker Autumn Acord said.
“We know that a lot of other schools don’t get this opportunity,” junior defender/midfielder Camryn Hurley said. “That’s one of the benefits of going to a smaller school. We get to play with each other from kindergarten all the through and we get to grow as a team. We know that other teams, other schools, it’s extremely rare.”
The Bobcats (15-1-0) also appreciate the opportunity to avenge last year’s 2-1 loss to Ashland (17-0-0) in overtime and win their first state title since 2012.
“I think we’re all pretty excited,” Anair said. “We started preparing at the beginning of the season for Ashland at the end.”
“It’s definitely an advantage that we played them last year. But they did beat us, so, I mean, they have pressure to beat us again,” Patterson said. “It’s kind of off our shoulders and it’s good to know that we’re underdogs.”
It’s an unfamiliar role.
Richmond’s only loss this season was by one goal to a Sacopee Valley team that ended up being the top seed in the Class C South tournament.
A potent offense powers the Bobcats. Anair, who would become the school’s all-time leading scorer with a goal on Saturday, has 32 goals on the season. Junior Meranda Martin tied her for the team lead in assists with 12 and scored 20 goals. Acord has 17 goals and freshman Caitlin Kendrick has 13.
In anticipation of a rematch with Ashland, Richmond has worked on speed and conditioning all season, work they hope pays off with more scoring chances on Saturday.
“They’re so quick. We’re quick but they’re just one step ahead of us,” Hurley said. “We’re going to have to have really good touches, really good passes, spread out and see the field and see each other before we even think about going to the net.”
Led by sophomore Sydney Tilton in goal, the Bobcats have been equally impressive on defense with 12 shutouts while outscoring opponents, 97-6.
Troy Kendrick has been Richmond’s coach in all 15 of its state championship appearances since 1989, with nine victories. To him what stands out about this year’s team is its chemistry.
“We have some great leadership from the older kids,” Kendrick said. “This year’s juniors and seniors and our captains (Anair and Acord) have done a really nice job. I just like the atmosphere. I just like the feel for the team — very supportive, very open.”
“We have such great chemistry. Last year, it was a little iffy. But this year, we’ve got such a great group and we all get along so much better,” Patterson said. “We are our own team now.”
That team wants to leave its own mark on the program’s impressive history. Kendrick has seen that before, and cherishes it.
“I think tradition has a lot to do with it. The kids are very well aware of the tradition and the success that we’ve had in the past,” Kendrick said. “I always think they want to write their own chapter and add to it. I guess that’s what kind of keeps me going. I’ve been through this a few times, but there’s always a new group of kids bringing their enthusiasm and bringing their fire and it keeps me going, too.”
Randy Whitehouse — 621-5638
rwhitehouse@centralmaine.com
Twitter: @Rawmaterial33
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