Despite losing only eight matches during the past three seasons, the final guarantee above has been just that, a guarantee, for the Mounties during those three campaigns. That won’t be the case this season, but the removal of the B-R curse isn’t a bold prediction.

No, Bridgewater-Raritan is moving.

The NJSIAA shifted the Panthers to North 2, Group 4, leaving MHS to rule the roost in North 1, Group 4.

The Mounties have the talent to earn their first sectional title since 2004, yet coach Mary Pat Mercuro is content to focus on what’s immediately ahead.

"The States aren’t on our mind yet," Mercuro said. "It’s nice to have Bridgewater out of our section, but that is a long way off. To be honest, I’m only thinking about Eastern on Saturday."

Montclair welcomes the state power to Watchung Field for a scrimmage on Saturday at 11 a.m. Although the match will not count toward MHS’ regular-season record, it will be an invaluable tool for Mercuro in the evaluation of her squad.

"Eastern is always a gauge; they are the best around," said Mercuro, in her 15th year coaching the Mounties. "The scrimmage lets us know where we need to get to or how close we really are. Just like in year’s past, I will break the game down into halves because while it would be nice to win, it’s more important to get better."

The locals have cakewalked through the North Jersey Field Hockey League, winning nine straight titles and 10 overall. Because it faces relatively weak competition in league play, MHS’ out-of-league matches against Hunterdon Central, New Egypt, Pompton Lakes and Oak Knoll this season are highlighted on the schedule by Mercuro and her players.

"We are confident that we can win the league each year, so the games that keep us sharp are the ones against teams outside of the league," Mercuro told The Times. "Adding New Egypt, who is going to be tough this year, boosts our schedule."

TALENT ABOUNDS

Seniors Emily Kaplan and Kristen McKenna captain the Mounties. McKenna will run the transition game from her center midfielder spot and Kaplan will play up front during league games, switching to defense against tougher foes.

"Kristen has all of the skills a coach wants from someone who is going to bring the ball past midfield, and Emily is versatile enough that I can put her anywhere and she will do well," Mercuro said. "They’ve done a great job as captains so far. Selecting the captains is a team thing and the girls recognized that Emily and Kristen would be great leaders."

Junior goalie Jenna Silverman will play between the pipes for Montclair. Silverman and former Mountie standout Carly Bianco played on a select team in Germany during the off-season, and Silverman has quickly established herself as a force during the preseason.

"Jenna has a lot of potential. She’s already shown her ability in our first few scrimmages," said McKenna.

Senior Kayla Ellman, coming off an 11-goal, 14-assist junior campaign, will play on the right wing as an offensive midfielder. Classmate Christine Ferguson, who captured gold at the Garden State Games and participated in several college showcases this summer, moves up to midfield from a defensive spot last year.

A rock in the back third this season will be senior Kelly Kent, a player Mercuro said was quietly one of MHS’ best defenders during last year’s 19-2-2 campaign.

A trio of seniors - Beverly Hirsch, Catherine Taibi and Keara McMahon - will lead the offensive attack. Also seeing time in the front third and midfield is sophomore Dakota Sikes-Keilp. Mercuro said Sikes-Keilp has "all of the tools to be an outstanding player."

Two juniors ready to make the transition from JV to varsity in the Montclair midfield are Molly Joyce and Maeve O’Leary.

Aside from its out-of-league tilts, MHS uses the Essex County Tournament as a tune-up for the State playoffs. Montclair’s last title came in 2005, when it defeated West Essex in overtime on its home field.

"I was at the game as a freshman when they beat West Essex, and I would love to beat them and be on the field to experience that as a player," McKenna said. "We are going to be a very good offensive team and it will be important to put the pressure on West Essex if we face them in the final."

While her captain may be peeking ahead, Mercuro’s vision only extends to Friday, Sept. 12, when the Mounties face Old Tappan on the road at 4 p.m. in their season opener.

"The talent is here, I’m just not going to look ahead too far because that’s when someone sneaks up on you," said Mercuro. "I think the team knows that and will take on each game with that mindset."