Deerfield Day Showdown: Choate Teams to Rassle with the Big Green
By Erin Ellis ’10, Anthony Cozart ’10, Jeff Bowman ’10, Stamena Ivanov ’10, James Line ’12
News Staff Reporters
Girls Field Hockey:
As their season is coming to a close, the ultimate game for the Girls Varsity Field Hockey team is just around the corner. At 12:00 this Saturday, the Wild Boars of Choate are to face off against the Doors of Deerfield in a match that looks like it is not one to be missed. Both teams have had successful seasons with our own girls’ record holds fast at 9-6-2 and Deerfield matches up with an impressive 8-1-5. Although the teams both have a similar array of wins and loses, the Choate won a close game at Andover, while Deerfield lost to the same school by three goals. Players to watch out for on Deerfield’s team are stars and captains Amy Simmonds ’09 and Alexandra Philie ’10. This climactic game holds promise to be epic with potential for showing a preview of the New England playoffs. Coaches Fran O’Donoghue and Meghan Hazard will have to guide the squad including captains Nicolle Perry ’09 and Kelly Walsh ’09 safely through the potential landmine that is Deerfield.
Girls Soccer:
This Saturday, Choate Girls’ Varsity Soccer will face off against the Deerfield team in what will be one of the most competitive matches of the day. The two teams have yet to play each other this season. On paper, the Choate team may seem weaker than its Deerfield counterpart, as the former boasts a 4-8-3 record, while the latter holds an 8-4-1 record. The Choate girls, however, are far from outmatched. Last year at Deerfield Day, the two teams tied 1-1, although Choate scored a second goal that was then called back. Sweeper Morgan Monz ’10 said, “It’s going to be a competitive game that will test our skills because their team has improved greatly from previous years,” she adds, “But Choate is ready and if we bring our A-game, we know we can defeat the Doors. Our record does not reflect our play at all, and comparing teams we have both played, the game could go either way.” The team has been preparing for the big game with intense practices led by head coach Marquis Tisdale and assistant coach Amanda Belichick. Though many key players graduated last year, the team is sure that their seven seniors, Nikki Collins, Alyssa Gruen, Sarah Gallalee, Josephine Pucci, Danica Gould, Kathleen Romania, and Kaylin Berger, will lead the Choate girls to victory in their final game. Monz declares, “We plan on ending the season on a high note and we can’t wait to show Deerfield what we are made of. We are so pumped for our last game of the season!” The Choate-Deerfield Varsity Girls’ Soccer game will certainly be a heated showdown.
Boys Soccer:
This weekend’s game between Choate and Deerfield is a showdown of two extremely capable offensive teams. The game will be a battle between two competitive sides, both looking to finish strong and potentially reach the playoffs. The Choate offense, led by seniors Nick Jones ’09 on the left and Matt “Goalaso” Binder ’09 on the right, looks to continue its success. Offense has been a strength of the Choate team this year, so be prepared for lots of shots and crosses. Watch out for the center midfield combo of Isaac Taylor ’09 and Captain Kevin Melendez ’09, which looks to disrupt DA’s offense and create opportunities for the Choate offense. Mike Hoeksema ’11 at striker looks to have a breakthrough performance on his first home Deerfield Day. The key for the Choate offense is to stay calm and play its game, primarily beating teams by playing balls to the corners and crossing the ball in, and by playing each other’s feet. If Choate maintains possession of the ball and also capitalizes on the offensive chances, it is hard for any team to better the Boars. The defensive unit also looks to keep the “Big Green” blank on the score sheet. Goalkeeper Christian Kelso ’09 and Captain John Moorhead ’09 have done a great job this season at the back, so look for nothing less this Saturday. Watch out for Toby Armour ’10 at center back, who has had an impressive string of performances recently. Deerfield has had a good season so far, but the Boars are more than capable and ready to close the door on any DA playoff hopes
Boys Football:
On Saturday, varsity football will face off against archrival, Deerfield. This year’s game will be a game between two great teams. Choate, 5-2, hopes to have a great game against Deerfield after two victories over Lawrenceville and Northfield Mount Hermon. Deerfield, also 5-2, has beaten Avon last week. The teams are fairly evenly mached and it will be a game to remember.
The Boars are a smaller team, only boasting 27 players, where as Deerfield has a very large team, boasting 25 seniors and 10 PGs. The Boars have an advantage over the Doors, a very strong running game involving two weapons. With lightning fast Colin Reno ’09 and Evan Jackson ’10, Choate has a running game that is hard to come by. Having said that, Deerfield also has a stud running back, Josh Hawkins ’09. This match up will most likely be won, or lost, with the running game. Lead by quarterback Andrew Ferreira ’09, Choate’s passing game is excellent where as Deerfield is weak. Wide receivers Julian Drobetsky ’09, McCullough Shriver ’09, John Guggio ’10 and Sasha Papich ’10 give the Boars many outlets to pass to. These receivers will need to be on top of their games as they face a strong Deerfield defense. The Boars will still have their work cut out for them. Deerfield is very strong this year with so many veteran players. Both of these teams are very good, and as everyone knows, anything can happen during a rivalry game. Please come out and support the Boars at 1:30 on Saturday in front of the SAC.
Girls Volleyball:
With play-off implications, the Girls Volleyball game against Deerfield will be an exciting game to watch. Starting at 10:30 this Saturday, this gameis is more than just a game between two rivals. The game will help to determine the ranks of both teams; however, the deep-rooted rivalry will intensify the game even more. Deerfield boasts a better record with an 11-3 mark, but Choate hopes to tack on that fourth loss. Choate counters a strong Deerfield line-up of five seniors and three juniors, with five returning players who start or come off the bench strong including Captain Katie DeFusco ’09, Taylor Elser ’09, Mary Foster ’10, Mara Mellstrom ’10 and Kelly Sheehan ’10. Two of which DeFusco and Sheehan along with Monica Leslie ’10 have been selected to play in the New England all-star game. Doubtless, both teams have a dominant and deep line-ups, which will make for an incredible finish of the 2008 Girls Volleyball season, and may be a look ahead to the New England playoffs.
