The Falmouth golf team is eager to defend its Class A title.
The Navigators, who won the Southwestern Maine Activities Association championship on Monday, enter the Class A state championships playing their best golf at the right time.
“We’ve had our eyes on this weekend for the entirety of the season,” Falmouth Coach A.J. Simokaitis said.
The Class A championships are scheduled for Friday at Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro, and the Class B and C championships are Saturday, also at Natanis.
Jade Haylock of Leavitt is also dialed in at the right time. The three-time defending Class B girls’ champ finished third overall at the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Class B qualifier.
Natanis hosted the SMAA qualifier on Monday, giving the Navigators a chance to scout the course before the weekend. Sophomore Dante Iannetta and Joe Hansen of Greely each shot a 76 to earn co-medalist honors.
“Monday was a great opportunity to get up there, in really adverse conditions, and put together a halfway decent performance and win the SMAA title, something we’ve been missing the last couple of years,” Simokaitis said. “It was awesome to get all eight (golfers) to qualify (for the individual championship), have Dante as co-medalist. We obviously want to play good golf during the regular season, but we really gear up for the last couple of weeks with our eyes on the state tournament.”
Falmouth has consistently been among the state’s top programs in recent years, winning Class A crowns in 2021 and 2023 and finishing runner-up in 2022. Iannetta – who shot a 2-over 74 to lead the Navigators to the title last year – has been the team’s top golfer this fall.
Thornton Academy, which has won five state crowns in the past 25 years, should also contend.
The Golden Trojans last won the Class A championship in 2015. Jack DeLeo, Parker Snell and McKenna Castle – the defending Class A girls co-champion – have helped lead the Trojans. DeLeo (fourth) and Snell (sixth) each had solid outings at the SMAA championships, while Castle finished 17th overall. DeLeo, a senior, will play lacrosse at Division I Merrimack University next year.
“Jack and Parker are four-year varsity players, which we don’t have a lot of,” Thornton Coach Jeff Camire said. “Jack has been in the top three since his freshman year. He’s kind of been an overlooked, really good player. He’s not in the summer golf leagues, but he’s an outstanding golfer. He’s a competitor, great leader. He sets the tone for us. Parker has had such an incredible year, but he’s been overshadowed by Jack because Jack has been outstanding. McKenna’s motivated to (repeat as Class A girls’ champion).”
Brewer, which had the top team score at the KVAC qualifier, could also be in the mix. Senior Calvin Grass, who tied for second in the qualifier, leads the Witches. Skowhegan’s Eddie Goff and Bangor’s Jacoby Harvey tied for second. Last year’s Class A boys’ champion, Will Farschon of Brunswick, returns to defend his crown after winning the KVAC A individual title. Alexis McCormick of Oxford Hills, the Class A girls’ co-champion with Castle, returns to defend her title.
In Class B, a young Lincoln Academy squad will be in the mix for the state title. Kellen Adickes, one of just two seniors on the team, leads the Eagles. At the KVAC qualifier, Lincoln (+49) had the best score among KVAC B schools by seven strokes, topping Morse (+56), Gardiner (+58) and Belfast (+69), which all qualified for states.
“We’re a young team; in total, I have 13 freshmen, two seniors and a sophomore,” said Lincoln Coach Todd Brackett. “I’m really excited. This team has had a great season, they’ve continued to progress throughout the season and kind of turn it on here near the end. It’s been exciting to watch.”
Adickes, a senior, had an outstanding performance at the KVAC qualifier, shooting a 6-under 66, topping Jack Quinn of Gardiner by seven strokes. Adickes finished third overall at last year’s Class B championship, behind Quinn and champion Eli Spaulding of Freeport.
“(Adickes) is a quality golfer,” Brackett said. “He’s consistent, which is a great asset for his younger teammates. He gets a chance to work with them and play with them, (and they) see his work ethic as he continues to work on his game. Some of that rubs off. He’s worked with the underclassmen this year and even during the summer months. That’s fun to watch… To watch them come together when they have a pretty decent round is exciting.”
York, which won the Western Maine Conference title, will be in the mix, along with Fryeburg Academy and Yarmouth. Presque Isle, the defending Class B champion, won the Penobscot Valley Conference title, led by Nick Lavigne, who shot a 76. Teammates Ryan Blackstone (80) and Logan Caron (81) finished third and fourth, respectively.
Quinn, a junior, is a two-time runner-up for the Class B individual title. Aside from Adickes, Quinn will receive a battle from teammate Austin Gould, who finished fourth at the KVAC B qualifier.
In Class C, St. Dominic will try to defend its title. Mason Laflamme leads the Saints, who should once again be pushed by Maranacook, the runner-up last season by three strokes. Ben Jewett, James Marr and Ethan Chilton are among the most experienced players for the Black Bears.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is found on our FAQs. You can modify your screen name here.
Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve.
Join the Conversation
Please sign into your CentralMaine.com account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe. Questions? Please see our FAQs.