By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
The Dover-Sherborn Regional High School boys soccer program saw an immense amount of success in 2017, putting together a 12-2-4 record, winning the TVL, and earning the No. 4 seed in Division III South before falling just short, 1-0, against Norwell in the sectional finals.
In 2018, DS returns several key components of the team that saw so much success a season ago, headlined by three captains: senior defender John Muckstadt and junior strikers George Beninati and Adam Fam.
“Obviously, a state championship is our main goal,” said Muckstadt when asked about his team’s hopes for the upcoming season. “On a smaller scale, we want to win the TVL again, since we have won it the last two years. In addition, we lost in the south final last year, and we want to win that this year.”
Defender Elliott Hammerness (15) wins a race to a loose ball during last year’s 3-0 season-opening win against Sutton. Photo by Michael Flanagan
Fam and Beninati agreed with Muckstadt’s optimism.
“As John said, we have big expectations for this season,” said Fam. “We’re reigning TVL champs and we look to defend that title. We also look to make it back to the sectional finals this year and hopefully get the result we were looking for last season.”
“I believe we have a really good chance to prove ourselves this season as one of the top teams in the state,” said Beninati. “I’d like to beat out last year’s record and win TVL Big and Small. The main goal, of course, is winning the state championship, something we believe is very attainable for the team.”
As far as returning key offensive weapons, Muckstadt says that he expects big things out of his two fellow captains, Fam and Beninati, both of whom were 2017 TVL All-Stars. Muckstadt also expects a big season out of junior Maximo Lockhart, as well.
“Both George Beninati and Adam Fam are two returning junior starters on offense that were crucial to us last year,” said Muckstadt. “Both tallied many goals and created chances for others with their unselfish play. In addition, Maximo Lockhart will play a key role in providing offense for us this year.”
Defensively, the Raiders will rely on the services of Muckstadt, a returning TVL and Eastern Mass All-Star, as well as junior Elliott Hammerness, Brooks Walsh, and keeper Jeb Shue.
“Jeb was our starting goalie last year and will be solid in net again this season,” said Muckstadt. “Brooks is a returning starting defender who had an outstanding season last year and will look to have another great year. Elliot Hammerness is a returning junior defender who provided a strong base for the team last year and will again this season.”
For funny and incisive sports analysis, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter at @fLAno0.
