Mt. Blue took a step back in the standings last year but looks to improve the long-term outlook starting this season under second-year coach Nate Quirion. With a returning veteran nucleus that showed marked improvement as the Cougars’ 1-7 campaign unfolded, Caldwell Field should hold more excitement and surprises this year. Securing the first playoff […]
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H.S. football: Young QBs ready to take the next step
Winthrop/Monmouth quarterback Keegan Choate faces pressure from Ellsworth linebacker Charlie Hughes during a Class D game at Maxwell Field in Winthrop last season. (Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal) TURNER — Winthrop/Monmouth/Hall-Dale coach Dave St. Hilaire could be describing another more famous New England quarterback when he reveals how his junior quarterback, Keegan Choate, is preparing for a […]
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2018 H.S. Football Preview: Ramblers taking reinforcements on the run
Winthrop/Monmouth/Hall-Dale players go through a workout during a preseason practice. (Randy Whitehouse/Sun Journal) WINTHROP — Now entering its sixth season, the football partnership between Winthrop High School and Monmouth Academy has proven to be a pretty fruitful one, posting a 30-16 record and five playoff appearances. This season, Winthrop and Monmouth welcome another neighbor to […]
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2018 H.S. Football Preview: Class E gives Dirigo, other programs chance to rebuild
Alex Gorham of Dirigo High School crosses the goal line to put the Cougars up 6-0 over Mountain Valley last season. Dirigo has dropped from Class D to Class E for the 2018 season. (Daryn Slover/Sun Journal) Alex Gorham has been in the middle of some big wins at Dirigo over the last three years. […]
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Class C South Preview: Hornets part of crowded race to top
Leavitt returned to Class C South and returned to the top of the standings last season. Yet the Hornets didn’t find the same playoff success they’d been accustomed to, losing in the regional semifinals as the No. 1 seed. With a good mix of speed, size and experience, the Hornets should be at or near […]
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2018 H.S. Football Preview: Cougars down but eager to compete
Dirigo players put in some work on the line during the preseason. (Randy Whitehouse/Sun Journal) Dirigo coach Jim Hersom isn’t expecting the Cougars to lose any of their competitive edge just because they dropped down from Class D to Class E this season. Low numbers forced the move after a rash of injuries last fall […]
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2018 H.S. Football Preview: Lumberjacks counting on new additions
HEBRON — While shutting out rival Kents Hill is always a welcome way to end a football season at Hebron Academy, the Lumberjacks probably wouldn’t have objected to their Evergreen Conference season lasting a little longer last year. Hebron won three of its last four games to finish 2017 with an identical record to the […]
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2018 H.S. Football Preview: Patriots hope to 'stay in the moment'
Gray-New Gloucester Patriots players practice defending the run during preseason in Gray. (Randy Whitehouse/Sun Journal) GRAY — The slogan on the back of Gray-New Gloucester football T-shirts reads “Stay in the moment.” The Patriots couldn’t wait to escape last season. An 0-8 record punctuated by an embarrassing on-field incident that led to head coach Duane […]
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2018 H.S. Football Preview: New coaching, new attitude for Knights
Poland players practice tackling during the preseason. (Randy Whitehouse/Sun Journal) POLAND — Things are louder and looser at Poland football practices this season under new head coach Spencer Emerson. “There’s just a lot more excitement in general,” senior linebacker/running back Tyler Tucci said. “Last year, guys were just, ‘Oh, we have football practice today.’ This […]
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H.S. football: Week 1 staff picks
(picks in bold) RANDY WHITEHOUSE Lisbon at Fryeburg Poland at Mtn. Valley Winthrop/Monmouth/Hall-Dale at Spruce Mountain MCI at Leavitt Bangor at Edward Little Lawrence at Mt. Blue York at Gray-New Gloucester Dirigo at Old Town Oxford Hills/Buckfield at Lewiston Yarmouth at Oak Hill Traip at Telstar WIL KRAMLICH Lisbon at Fryeburg Poland at Mtn. Valley […]