PARIS — It is football’s matter-of-fact, shoulder-shrugging blanket statement, aimed at concealing any apprehension when a standout player gets hurt. Next man up. Sometimes it’s merely a smoke screen from a coach and a team who know they’re in trouble. On other occasions, a star is born. In the case of Oxford Hills, “next man […]
fall preview
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Edward Little football: Eddies couldn’t weight for season
When Edward Little football players stepped on the scale this summer, the readings revealed a sharp turn in the opposite direction of how most older folks wish to go in that department. Brandon Henry gained 10 pounds. Jake Vallee put on 15. Corey Gillespie added 25. Dillon Hummes and Quinn Bradley, well, you won’t even […]
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Leavitt football: Youth, athleticism to carry Hornets’ title defense
TURNER — A year ago, you would have needed all your fingers and toes to tally Leavitt’s list of returning starters. Taking inventory of the current total is simple as counting a helmet and a pair of cleats. But if you count out the reigning Class C football champions, do so at your peril. “Last […]
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Hebron football: Postgrad recruits provide electricity
The new Hebron Academy football coach, Joe Bernier, carries a different clipboard as an admissions director at the school in his workday capacity. So the diversity of hometowns on Bernier’s roster doesn’t shock him. It’s bound to get anyone else’s attention, though. Boston. Quebec City. Queens. Harlem. California. Mexico. “It’s kind of the nature. As […]
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Dirigo football: Winning coach joins winning program
As evidenced by his tireless work out of the wildcat formation during a run to the Cougars’ second consecutive Class D West championship game last fall, Tyler Frost enjoys the spotlight and isn’t afraid to take a pounding. It looks like a match made in heaven. “That’s the plan,” Frost said. “I’m hoping I can […]
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Spruce Mountain football: Phoenix adjust to life as favorite
LIVERMORE FALLS — Walter Polky knows plenty about being on a high school football team facing exorbitant expectations. As a senior at Winthrop High School, Polky was heart and soul of the defense for a Ramblers’ team that entered 2000 celebrated far and wide as the team to beat in Class C. Led at quarterback […]
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Telstar football: Last ride for seniors who built program
BETHEL — Telstar’s football seniors are the first class at the school to play four varsity seasons in 34 years. The Rebels may or may not experience a winning autumn, or celebrate multiple Class D West playoff appearances. We’ll know in eight weeks. But there’s something to be said in this up-and-down growth cycle of […]
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2014 Telstar football preview
Coach: Tim O’Connor (fourth year) Conference: West Class: D Last year: 2-7, lost in regional quarterfinals Returning players: Seniors — Ryan Vail (C/DT), Noah Rose (TE), Chris Chappie (FB/DT), Zach Wheeler (G), Mike Dougherty (slot/SE); Junior — Keith Crockett (T). Key losses: Jared Vermette (QB/S), Austin Ryerson (TB/LB), Brett Gould (G), Tyler Cherkis (WB/LB), Zach […]
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Winthrop/Monmouth football: Summer of challenges, on and off field
In late July, Joel Stoneton stepped away after 19 years with the program — the past 10 as head coach — to become athletic director and dean of students at the school. Ten days later, the world turned upside down for the Ramblers and their former leader, with the sudden death of Stoneton’s 17-year-old daughter, […]
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2014 Gray-New Gloucester football preview
Coach: Mark Renna (first year) Conference: West Class: C Last year: 0-8 Returning players: Seniors — Adam Dumas (FB/LB), Carson Hodsdon (QB/DB), Nate Hennemann (C); Junior — Zach Haskell (WR/DB). Key losses: Tyler Hicks (G/LB), Justin McKenna (WR/DB), Sam Johnson (RB/LB), Brandon Thibeault (RB/LB), Colby Graffius (G/LB). Promising newcomers: Juniors — Tristan Herod (WR), Jason […]