LEWISTON – The aptly named Lewiston Shockers have pulled off a lot of surprises in this, their inaugural season in the semi-pro New England Football League.

The latest twist has the Shockers finishing the regular season 7-1, in first place in the Maritime Conference, and hosting a semifinal playoff game against the Maine Tomcats at 1 p.m. Saturday at Lewiston Athletic Park.

With a bye for last week’s quarterfinals, the Shockers will take the field having waited three weeks since they last saw game action. But that is of little concern to team co-owner and running back/defensive back Zach Stewart.

“We are more healed than we have been all season,” Stewart said. “Practices have been very sharp. (Quarterback Steve) Coleman’s ball keeps getting a tighter spiral and (running back) Marvin (Langley) isn’t getting any slower. Our defensive scheme is very understandable and our personnel fits every position perfectly.”

The Shockers boast a balanced offense led by Langley, a former Lewiston High School standout who rushed for 669 yards in just five games this season. He rushed for two touchdowns in the team’s 28-6 regular season win over the Tomcats. Coleman earned NEFL Player of the Week honors in another win earlier this season with 310 yards passing and three TDs. Former Mt. Blue star Jon McCabe is his top target.

The Lewiston defense has been quite stingy this year, allowing just seven touchdowns in eight games. The unit has forced 14 fumbles and 12 interceptions, returning two for touchdowns, including a game-winner in the Shockers’ 7-6 win over the Seacoast Hawks on opening day. Mark Pettengill led the pass rush with six sacks this season.

The special teams, meanwhile, has started two different games with return touchdowns. Kicker Christian Bolieau went 19/20 in PAT attempts in the second half of the season and converted two of his three field goal attempts.

“All in all, we could not have asked for a better first year,” Stewart said.

If the Shockers win Saturday, they’ll host the conference championship game Nov. 1.

Admission for this Saturday’s game is $3 and kids under 12 get in free.