LUCY JOHNSON, Senior – Field hockey

Courtesy Cheverus Athletics.

* Miss Maine Field Hockey
* NFHCA All-American, third-team
* All-State
• SMAA Player of the Year
* SMAA All-Conference, first-team
* SMAA All-Academic
* Captain

Calling Johnson the most prolific goal scorer in Maine high school field hockey history is the truth and it’s high praise, but it would only be scratching the surface.

Simply put, she was a legendary talent, one whose presence was felt all over the field and one whose shoes will be impossible to fill.

And fittingly, she bowed out as a champion.

Johnson made an immediate splash her freshman season, scoring 28 goals and adding nine assists, while teaming with her older sister, Lily, and other veteran teammates to bring Cheverus its first-ever state title.

As a sophomore, Johnson was even better, setting a new program record with 49 goals, adding 19 assists and leading the Stags back to the Class A state game, where she scored twice, but her team dropped an agonizing 3-2 decision to Skowhegan.

As a junior, Johnson led Cheverus back to the pinnacle, scoring 41 goals, adding nine assists, and scoring with 58 seconds left to beat Skowhegan, 2-1, in the state final. During that playoff run, Johnson became Maine’s all-time leading goal scorer.

While her 2024 stats were a little more modest, but still awe-inspiring (34 goals), she rattled the cage in every game but one, scored the only goal in the Stags’ biggest test (a double-overtime win at Gorham) and had many other highlights.

Johnson scored the season’s first goal in a tone-setting victory at Biddeford. She had two goals versus Scarborough, hat tricks in wins over Gorham, Falmouth, Marshwood, Thornton Academy, Scarborough and Portland/Deering, again produced the first goal in a pivotal home victory over Biddeford and had two goals apiece against Noble, Massabesic and Windham.

Johnson was again exceptional in the playoffs, scoring once against Massabesic in the quarterfinals, once against Thornton Academy in the semifinals, twice in a regional final victory over Biddeford and twice more against Brewer in the state game.

Johnson, who is also an ice hockey standout and a key part of back-to-back state champions in that sport, finished her nonpareil field hockey career with 152 goals and 46 assists. She won every possible accolade and was named Miss Maine Field Hockey, one year after Lily Johnson was given the award.

The Johnson sisters will reunited at Boston University next year.

Lucy Johnson, Cheverus’ Fall Athlete of the Year, was a singular sensation, a player for the ages and figures to be the standard bearer for generations. What a treat it was to watch her dominate and dazzle for four years.

Coach Andrea Musante’s comment: “Lucy has been a dominating force for Cheverus field hockey since she hit the field in 2021. She has set a new standard for field hockey in the state. Beyond the stats, she played with grit and heart, which are things that cannot be measured. We wish her the best at BU and her legacy will live on in how she has inspired the next generation.”

Press Herald file photo

Prior winners:

• 2023 Lucy Johnson (field hockey)
* 2022 Lucy Johnson (field hockey)
* 2021 Taylor Tory (field hockey)
* 2020 Lucia Pompeo (field hockey)
• 2019 Emma Gallant (soccer)
• 2018 Sophia Pompeo (field hockey)
• 2017 Michaela Jordan (soccer)
• 2016 Hannah Abbott (field hockey)
• 2015 Becca Archer (field hockey)
• 2014 Abby Goodrich (soccer)
• 2013 Elyse Caiazzo (field hockey)
• 2012 Staci Swallow (field hockey)
• 2011 Sarah LaQuerre (field hockey)
• 2010 Emily Sawchuck (field hockey)
• 2009 Emily Durgin (cross country)
• 2008 Bethany Schleh (field hockey)
• 2007 Elizabeth Somma (soccer)
• 2006 Elise Roux (soccer)
• 2005 Meaghan Mingo (soccer)
• 2004 Lauren Metevier (soccer)

MATT BAKER, Senior–Football

Courtesy Cheverus Athletics.

* Class B South All-Conference
* Captain

The whole complexion of Cheverus’ season was altered in the first quarter of the season opener, when quarterback Colby Ross suffered an injury which would sideline him nearly the remainder of the year.

Luckily for the Stags, Matt Baker was ready to step into the void.

Baker not only impressed statistically, he was a leader in every sense of the word and he helped his undermanned squad remain competitive throughout.

Baker became the team’s primary ball-handler and finished with 1,027 rushing yards (good for 6.1 yards per attempt), scoring nine touchdowns. He was also an elite linebacker, making 55 tackles. If that wasn’t enough, Baker also punted for Cheverus, posting a 39-yard average.

Baker was superb in a loss to Massabesic, gaining 141 yards on 15 carries and scoring both of his team’s touchdowns. In a win over Biddeford, Baker went off for 227 yards and two TDs on 24 rushing attempts. He also threw for a score. Baker scored his team’s lone touchdown in a loss to reigning state champion Kennebunk, then threw a TD pass in a playoff loss at Marshwood.

Through it all, Baker was an island of calm, directing the offense, defense and special teams. He came up big in so many different ways and his performance got the attention of the league’s coaches, who named him to the All-Conference team.

Matt Baker, Cheverus’ Fall Athlete of the Year, has made his mark and will be tough to replace. His play and character did the talking this season and his effort and leadership won’t soon be forgotten.

Coach Skip Capone’s comment: ““Matt is obviously our leader. The guys rally around him and he inspires them. He controlled the huddle and the kids looked to him. He was calm, cool and collected. He worked hard and brought great energy. I’d describe him as a football player. He maximized his talent. He’s not the biggest or strongest guy, but he’s as good a football player as I’ve been around. I can’t say enough about him.”

File photo

Prior winners:

• 2023 Mick Madden (golf)
* 2022 Rilan Smith (football)
* 2021 Braden Smith (football)
* 2020 Jesse Cadigan (cross country)
• 2019 Sean Tompkins (football)
• 2018 Teigan Lindstedt (football)
• 2017 Luc Dionne (soccer)
• 2016 Jack Casale (football)
• 2015 Jake Tomkinson (soccer)
• 2014 Joe Fitzpatrick (football)
• 2013 Joe Fitzpatrick (football)
• 2012 Donald Goodrich (football)
• 2011 Elliot Maker (soccer)
• 2010 Peter Gwilym (football)
• 2009 Peter Gwilym (football)
•2008 Jack Terwilliger (cross country)
• 2007 Galen Munroe (soccer)
• 2006 Andrew Pochebit (football)
• 2005 Anthony Ardito (golf)
• 2004 Max Molleo (soccer)

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net.