Two soccer programs with great histories finished off two successful seasons. The Lewiston boys and the Edward Little girls both played in the state championships Saturday, getting further than most teams in their respective programs.

As a result the two programs, schools and communities shared a unique experience, creating quite a buzz around the Twin Cities.

“It’s been awesome,” Lewiston coach Mike McGraw said. “It’s been great. It’s been phenomenal. The support of the communities has been absolutely tremendous.”

Neither program had ever won a state championship. The Lewiston boys’ hadn’t been to the game since losing to Brunswick in 1991. The EL girls hadn’t gone that far since 2001, losing to Mt. Ararat. That helped make the days leading up to this year’s state final that much more unique as both schools shared a similar journey.

“It’s exciting for the communities,” EL principal Jim Miller said. “It’s good for the Twin Cities. It’s been a lot of fun. There’s been great camaraderie. We sent stuff to them. They did they same thing for us. It’s a good pat on the back for each other. It’s been a good city effort. We all know each other. We all respect each other. They all cheer each other on.”

Both schools were well represented Saturday with some excellent play on the field at Hampden Academy and energetic and supportive crowds in the stands. Unfortunately, both teams suffered the same disappointing fate. Lewiston lost to Cheverus 2-1 and the EL girls followed with a 5-1 loss to Windham.

“This is the first time in a long time that our program’s have been here,” EL girls’ coach Craig Latuscha said. “Just to experience this is very exciting. The girls just had a good time. They were having fun and being high school girls like they’re supposed to be. We knew we had to play a very tough team. We gave everything we had, and I’m proud of my team.”

Both teams had tremendous seasons. The Blue Devils went 13-0-1 for their first unbeaten season since 1981. They finished strong down stretch with tourney wins over Mt. Blue, Bangor and Brunswick, the last two by one goal. The Eastern A championship win was a significant milestone for a team that had lost the previous two regional titles.

“It’s been pretty special,” McGraw said after Saturday’s loss. “There’s been a buzz in both communities. Its just been exciting and great – even though I don’t think it feels that great right now. It was great to see that for a couple of days. I just wish it could have continued.”

The EL girls’ were more of an unexpected contender in Eastern A. The Red Eddies produced one of its best falls in years and finished second overall in the standings at 10-1-3. They survived a challenge from Lewiston in an overtime quarterfinal. Then they had impressive wins over Brunswick and Mt. Ararat, rallying late against the Eagles to force overtime where the Red Eddies won the regional crown.

“To be here was an unbelievable thing,” Latuscha said. “The girls really appreciated it. They were pumped and excited. For us to come as far as we did this year was a significant accomplishment.”

Both teams received an abundance of well wishes from fans and alumni. They also got support from each other. The EL girls’ sent Lewiston a gift basket. The Blue Devils sent the Red Eddies one in return. Players from both teams were sending tweets, texts and emails of good luck to each other.

It went beyond the players. The athletic directors, Jason Fuller and Dan Deshaies supported each other and helped plan the many logistics of a state championship game. Fuller was even helping the cheerleaders paint signs, which were well displayed during the boys’ game. EL’s Brooke Lever performed an amazing version of the National Anthem prior to the girls’ game.

Lewiston had one fan bus make the trip. Edward Little sent two busses. Both teams had great crowds at the game and proud communities back at home and beyond.

“It’s been wonderful,” Miller said. “The kids were excited. They were upbeat and they were positive. They came out and played hard. They were excited to be there. There’s only two teams that get here and we were one of them.”

It’s a rare feat to have two schools of such close proximity send two teams in the same sport to the state championship game. It’s something that hasn’t happened in Lewiston-Auburn often – if ever. To have it happen in soccer can only create some excitement for both programs and their future.

The Lewiston boys graduate nine seniors, including four starters. The Blue Devils still have nine juniors and eight underclassmen that should be back. The EL girls graduate just five seniors, all starters. The Red Eddies were made up of mostly 14 sophomores and freshmen.

“I’m hoping the younger programs will grow and develop,” Latuscha said of the impact this year could have on soccer in the community. “Hopefully we can get more numbers and they’ll play a little more soccer. Playing soccer year-round has really helped us and helped develop our younger players up to the high school level. We played a team that has eight players that play year-round and you can obviously tell.”

Whatever the future impact may be for both programs, this fall was a memorable one for both teams, their schools and communities. Both teams were able to do something few others have at their schools. Having both programs do it together made it that much more exciting.

“It’s been a great ride for both teams this year,” Latuscha said. “We played with a lot of heart. That’s what sets us apart.”

Banner for Mt. Blue

Lewiston and Edward Little weren’t the only local soccer teams bringing home honors Saturday. The Mt. Blue girls’ soccer team earned the Sportsmanship Banner for Eastern A. The Cougars finished 5-9-2, securing the final tourney berth in Eastern A. The Cougars beat Brewer in a prelim before losing to Bangor in the quarterfinals.

Coach Fred Conlogue and players Sarah Keith, Addie Schanz, Nicole Pires, Eryn Doiron, and Abbey Gilbert were at Hampden Academy to receive the banner prior to the A girls’ state game.

kmills@sunjournal.com