Richmond boys soccer coach Joe Scribellito was an assistant when the Bobcats lost 5-0 to Bangor Christian four years ago in the Class D state championship game.

None of the players in that game will be on the field when those two teams meet today in the state title game. But Scribellito has a pretty good idea what to expect.

"I know if it's (an Aaron) Wilcox-coached team, they're going to be a ball-possession team," he said. "They're a mirror image of us."

Wilcox not only refers to the head coach, but also to his two sons, sophomore Brad and senior Brandon. Brad is the team's leading scorer with 22 goals while Brandon scored all three goals in Bangor Christian's 3-0 win against Central Aroostook this week in the Eastern Maine championship game.

The Patriots didn't allow a shot on goal in the title game until the second half, and they did not allow a goal in three games during the regional tournament.

"They're patient," Scribellito said. "They like to work from the back first and they like to own midfield."

Wilcox said when his team is playing well, it's possessing the ball with short passes.

"They're comfortable with each other," he said.

While Bangor Christian is making its second-ever appearance in a state title game, the Bobcats are there for the fifth straight time. They won the title in 2007 on the turf at Hampden Academy, site of today's game.

"This is our third trip to Hampden in four years," Scribellito said. "We have played extremely well up there."

The Bobcats have several capable scorers, led by senior Eric Murrin, who scored four goals in the regional final against Greenville, giving him 30 for the season. Senior Joey Scribellito, the coach's son, has 12 goals to go with 14 assists, while Michael Christie and Nick Woods are also goal scorers.

Last year, the Richmond boys played for state titles in soccer, basketball and baseball, losing in all three.

"I've got six seniors," Scribellito said. "They were so close last year in three sports and they'd like to break that trend. I see fire in their eyes."

Gary Hawkins -- 621-5638

ghawkins@centralmaine.com