Friday, September 2, 2011
CLASS A FOOTBALL
| Kennebec Journal | Morning Sentinel | Special Supplement
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High school
Staff photo by Michael G. Seamans
DEFENSIVE PRESENCE: Messalonskee defender Sam Dexter (7) dives for an interception during a game against Cony High School last season. Dexter is a three-year starter in the Eagles defensive backfield and will take on more of an offensive role this fall.
Class A FROM 4 young kids,” Cony coach Robby Vachon said. “The league will be tough as always. We’ll start four sophomores in big roles.” One of them is 6foot-3 quarterback Ben Lucas, who will lead the team out of the pistol formation. “ We’ l l to have limit the turnovers,” V a c h o n said. “We are looking forward to competing for a playoff spot. We’re not just looking to be competitive.” Brothers Chase and Chandler Shostak will start at wide receiver, while junior Brandon St. Michel will start at tailback. Thon Ithipalakorn and Charlie Hallak will also carry the ball. Senior captain Phil Obert will start at left guard and will anchor the defense at linebacker. Skowhegan surrendered 292 points last season, the most in the conference, but with a year of
experience, coach Mike Marston thinks his team should be more prepared for the tough league. “We seem pretty balanced. The kids have worked hard in the offseason. I see it starting to show up on the field,” Marston said. The Indians’ defensive line is led by seniors Zach Witham, C.J. Kruse and Jacob Weese, while Alex and Baker Chad Carrol, back from a in year B o o t h b a y, are at linebacker. Tyler Savage and E t h a n Johnson are the top returning to players Skowhegan’s secondary. Johnson is back for his second season at quarterback. Savage is the top returning rusher in Skowhegan’s runheavy double wing offense. Sophomore Ben Sally joins Savage as a wingback, and Weese will play fullback. Center A.J. Dixon, guards Witham and Baker, and tight ends Kruse and Justin Grant return to the offensive line. “We played a lot of these kids last year,” Marston said. “The team attitude and chemistry seem pretty solid.”
Players to watch
Making the playoffs has
become commonplace at Lawrence, where the
Bulldogs haven’t missed the postseason since
2004. Despite four undefeated regular seasons
Sam Dexter, Messalonskee
Shaun Carroll, Lawrence
Chase Shostak, Cony
A senior cornerback, Dexter had three interceptions last season. This year, he’ll become more involved with the Messalonskee offense.
The senior averaged 6.3 yards per carry last season. He’ll get more carries this season, and is one of the top returners in the state.
A senior, Shostak finished with about 400 receiving yards last season and returns as one of the top receivers in the PTC A.
Others to watch
since 2006, Lawrence hasn’t won the conference
Spencer Carey, Lawrence; Josh Perry, Lawrence; Tyler Savage, Skowhegan; Phil Obert, Cony; Jake Stinson, Messalonskee; Corey Foye, Messalonskee
title since 2007.
ON THE WEB
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Final regular season PTC A North Team W L PF Lawrence 8 0 204 Bangor 7 1 254 6 2 178 Mt. Blue Messalonskee 5 3 215 Skowhegan 1 7 117 Brewer 0 8 72 South Lewiston 6 2 238 Brunswick 5 3 180 Edward Little 5 3 184 Cony 4 4 178 Oxford Hills 1 7 54 Mt. Ararat 0 8 92 SMAA North Cheverus 8 0 277 Bonny Eagle 7 1 283 Deering 6 2 231 So. Portland 5 3 162 Windham 4 4 143 Westbrook 2 6 110 Portland 2 6 150 Gorham 0 8 106 South Biddeford 7 1 210 Scarborough 7 1 239 Thornton 6 2 311 Sanford 4 4 158 Noble 2 6 76 Marshwood 2 6 139 Kennebunk 2 6 129 Massabesic 0 8 151 PTC B Leavitt 8 0 307 Hampden 7 1 271 6 2 277 Gardiner MDI 4 4 173 Belfast 4 4 176 Waterville 3 5 175 Camden Hills 3 4 168 Winslow 2 6 154 Morse 2 6 131 0 8 145 Nokomis Campbell Conference B Mtn. Valley 9 0 335 Wells 8 1 285 Cape Elizabeth 6 3 201 Falmouth 6 3 241 Greely 5 4 205 York 4 5 240 Lake Region 3 6 157 Poland 2 7 166 1 8 563 Fryeburg GNG 0 9 93 Little Ten 8 0 261 Stearns 6 2 195 John Bapst Old Town 5 3 264 Bucksport 5 3 177 MCI 5 3 149 Rockland 4 4 179 Calais 5 3 268 Foxcroft 4 4 182 3 5 176 Orono 2 6 95 Mattan. Mt. View 1 7 156 Dexter 0 8 70 Campbell Conference C North Winthrop 6 2 244 Jay 5 3 145 Dirigo 5 3 153 4 4 170 Livermore Maranacook 4 4 191 Oak Hill 4 4 185 Madison 1 7 82 South 8 0 384 Yarmouth Lisbon 7 1 280 Traip 6 2 173 3 5 145 Freeport 84 2 6 Old Orchard Boothbay 1 7 101 Sacopee 0 8 7
PA 45 66 127 121 292 286 126 143 79 186 232 273 80 116 117 170 123 247 204 311 110 134 102 130 285 207 269 231 81 142 168 155 191 189 215 181 292 381 24 77 100 140 79 188 268 165 14 430 21 111 184 121 156 172 137 164 247 166 295 378 70 80 99 128 161 151 392 43 43 106 207 290 249 315