On paper, Tuesday afternoon’s girls soccer game between Lawrence (3-3) and Nokomis (0-5-1) is rather nondescript.
The game, which takes place in Newport, won’t have major playoff implications, and neither Cindy Blodgett nor Cooper Flagg will be in attendance. The two teams are members of the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference, but are located 30 miles apart and are far from being considered archrivals — for now.
On the sidelines, head coaches Ryan Mountain of Lawrence and Lucas Jewett of Nokomis have had this game circled on their calendars all year. The two best friends grew up playing soccer together in Dexter, and even won an Eastern Maine title in 2005 as defenders for the Tigers. They have served as groomsmen at each other’s weddings, and their children refer to the other as “uncle.” Like any good rivals, they share the same core memories and future goals.
The good-natured trash talk between them has been building in recent weeks, and their former Dexter teammates are only adding fuel to the fire.
“Nothing’s changed. Our relationship hasn’t skipped a beat,” Mountain said. “I hope one of us wins, rather than a tie. It will be cool to come off the bus and see a friend — it will be special.”
Jewett jokingly replied, “Where are you seeing this friend?”
Jewett has been coaching the Nokomis varsity girls soccer team for eight years now, and also teaches social studies at the high school. He is used to playing Lawrence twice per year, but Mountain had been coaching the Lawrence junior varsity boys team (in addition to teaching social studies) for the past seven years.
Right: Jewett (left) and Mountain (right) have served as groomsmen at each other’s weddings since graduating from Dexter High School in 2008. Credit: Courtesy Lucas Jewett
The duo have supported each other throughout their coaching careers, but have not yet faced off as coaches and are unfamiliar with the other’s players. They can only surmise what the other’s game plan will be.
“We’ve shared our highs and lows, and when we have a [mutual] opponent, we share what we’ve seen,” said Mountain, who lives in Belgrade with his wife and two daughters. “But we’ve also been holding our cards a little tight.”
Jewett knows that Mountain likes to press high to start games, but isn’t sure how the Bulldogs will play once the Warriors make the adjustment.
“He’s gonna come out strong and be offensive-minded,” said Jewett, who lives in Dexter with his wife and infant son. “Coaching is one big puzzle. It’s nice to have someone to talk soccer to, but our relationship goes out the window [today].”
Tuesday’s game will set the tone for the rivalry going forward. Mountain and Jewett’s players only know a little bit about their coaches’ relationship as of now, but chances are their competitive spirit will rub off over time.
The Bulldogs and Warriors are scheduled to play in Fairfield on Oct. 17.
“Competing as coaches is a culmination of our soccer careers,” Mountain said. “Once gametime comes, everyone knows what they’re doing.”
