DIXFIELD – The adverse conditions truly tested the character of every player as the Boothbay and Dirigo football teams trudged through the rain and mud Saturday at Harlow Park.
But the conditions couldn’t slow Boothbay’s overpowering running attack.
Kostas Rigas scored a touchdown and rushed for 121 yards as Boothbay ran over the Cougars for a 28-0 triumph.
The standing water made it difficult for running backs to make cuts, so the Seahawks relied on their huge offensive line to dominate the line of scrimmage. Boothbay (4-3) gained 291 yards on 50 rushes in its ball-control scheme.
“Yes, this was a big character test,” Boothbay coach Tim Rice said. “But, both teams had to endure it. The conditions were bad, but this fields drains well, except for the middle. Our plan was to run the ball right at the Dirigo line and we were successful at it.” Boothbay scored on its first two drives to take a 14-0 lead. Blake Krunkiel (52 yards, 11 rushes) ran in from the 1-yard line to complete a seven-play, 60-yard drive.
Dirigo (0-7) could not contain Seahawks defensive end Adam Climo on its first possession and was held to minus yards. A 9-yard punt gave Boothbay the ball at the Cougars 26-yard line. That set up a short scoring drive, with Kostas covering the final 9 yards. Quarterback Roy Arsenault passed to Wes Alley for a two-point conversion.
The Seahawks later intercepted a Berry pass, but Dirigo’s Levi Hutchins recovered a fumble. “The second half was a different game,” Cougar coach Hart Daley said. “We adjusted and our down linemen were hitting the gaps and the outside linebackers were reading the (Boothbay) blockers. We made some good stops.”
Dirigo tackles Pat O’Leary and Jon Berry penetrated the line of scrimmage and the disruption forced three fumbles and stalled two Boothbay drives fourth down. Kevin O’Leary recovered two fumbles and Kyle Meile pounced on the other for Dirigo.
In the final minute of the second quarter, Kostas scored on a three-yard run. Max Alley added a touchdown and conversion in the fourth quarter.
The Cougars were plagued by a lack of blocking and it resulted in Berry being hurried on several passes.
“As I’ve said before, Dirigo kids have heart,” Daley said “They are beginning to understand what it takes, we have a lot of sophomores and juniors. We’ve taken our lumps last year and some this year. But, we’re improving and I believe you’ll see a difference in Dirigo football in the next year or two.”
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