Jon Haws hopes to play college football after he graduates from Hampden Academy, so the junior quarterback and defensive back tries to take advantage of any opportunity to display and improve his skills.
That includes going to summer camps and playing in off-season 7-on-7 leagues in addition to his work for the Broncos each fall.
Haws also has attended football combines, where he is measured in the basic skills of running, jumping, strength and agility that was the treasure trove of a college scout’s existence.
Two years ago, he had to travel to Springfield, Mass., to find the combine closest to Maine.
But more recently, such an event came to Maine for the first time as Scarborough High School hosted the 2010 Maine National Underclassmen Combine.
“It was great to have one so close to home,” said Haws. “They explained about how so many of the big recruits all come from just a few states, but that there are other players from all around the country capable of competing so that’s why they have them everywhere.”
Haws and Hampden teammate Richard Hoch were among 46 players in grades 8 through 11 who were tested at the Maine combine.
“Jon wanted to go, and I knew I wanted to be evaluated by a third party,” said Hoch, a linebacker and offensive guard. “Being tested by a national organization like that adds credibility to the results.”
According to its website, nationalunderclassmencombine.com, the NUC has held combines around the country for the last six years with the goal of connecting interested student-athletes with college football programs.
“Having one in Maine makes it a lot easier,” said Hoch. “It makes it possible for the tests to be more representative of your capabilities because a long car ride can leave you stiff and sore and not able to do your best.
“You also don’t have to go down the night before so you can save on hotel money, and it gives players from northern Maine a chance to go.”
Each participant pays $85 to go through a battery of drills including the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, bench press and shuttle run, along with one-on-one competitions and other football- specific activities.
The combine results are then sent to every college program in the nation, from Division I to Division III, and are maintained on the NUC website. Additional exposure comes from coverage of the event by national sports websites ESPN.com and Rivals.com.
“I have no expectations of playing Division I football,” Hoch said. “I hope to play Division III football, and by doing this I hope to help make myself more of a viable contributor at a better academic school.”
Luke Bakanowsky, a quarterback from Ashburnham, Mass., and Oakmont Regional High School, was named the combine’s overall MVP, but several Eastern Maine players, including Haws and Hoch, also were recognized.
Haws was the combine’s quarterback MVP, while Hoch shared linebacker MVP honors with Dylan Webster of Belfast. Tyler Harrison of Camden Hills of Rockport was named the offensive line MVP.
Davis shines for Lions
The Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Class B ranks is deep in high-qualify shortstops this spring.
Rockland’s Luke Morrill already has verbally committed to join the University of Maine baseball program this fall, while Forrest Chadwick of Gardiner and Ben McLain of Newcastle’s Lincoln Academy have featured prominently in their teams’ rise to prominence.
Another shortstop that belongs in the same discussion is Belfast senior Jack Davis.
While the Lions are just 5-8 after a 10-0 win over Maine Central Institute of Pittsfield on Monday, Davis has been a fixture in the middle of the Belfast batting order – hitting a double and a single with three RBIs against MCI — as well as a defensive presence with a flair for the spectacular in the middle of the infield.
“Jack’s a three-year starter with great defensive skills,” said Belfast coach George Ross. “He is what he is, he’s terrific. He’s got great range, he’s one of the fastest kids I’ve ever coached and he’s got a real strong arm.”
During a recent 3-1 loss to Camden Hills of Rockport, Davis displayed his defensive range by racing deep into the shortstop hole twice to throw out baserunners as well as going in the other direction to turn a 6-3 double play.
“Not only is he a good player, he played really good [against us],” said Camden Hills coach Jeff Hart. “He’s so athletic out there, he made a really tough play look almost routine when he went into the hole and got a guy by about five steps. He’s a solid player.”
Davis began his high school career as a second baseman, but prefers to be on the left-field side of second base.
“I like playing short because you’re always in the action,” said Davis, who played second base and right field last summer for the Steamboat Petroleum American Legion baseball team. “You always have something to do.”
Davis plans to continue to pursue a college baseball career this fall when he attends Harford Community College in Bel Air, Md.
Crunch time matchups
With the high school baseball regular season entering its final seven-day stretch, here are a few key upcoming matchups to watch:
Camden Hills vs. Lincoln Academy at Newcastle, Wednesday: Camden Hills extended its winning streak to eight games with a 10-4 win at Winslow on Monday and moved from the fringe of Eastern B postseason contention to a solid fourth place slot. A win over Western B Lincoln Academy, like Camden Hills currently 10-3 this spring, could move the Windjammers up as high as second. Lincoln Academy defeated Camden Hills 15-4 on May 7.
Ellsworth vs. John Bapst at Bangor, Thursday: Ellsworth will bring a seven-game win streak into the contest in its effort to finish as high as second in Eastern B. John Bapst was ranked 10th entering Tuesday’s game at Bucksport to aid its postseason plans. Ellsworth won the earlier meeting 12-8, scoring 10 runs after two were out in the sixth inning to erase an 8-2 deficit.
Stearns vs. Penquis at Milo, Friday: Stearns of Millinocket entered Tuesday’s home game against Penobscot Valley of Howland third in the Eastern C standings and along with Class A Bangor the lone remaining unbeaten teams statewide. But one of the Minutemen’s closest calls was a 1-0 win over Penquis on May 4. Penquis, despite a 7-3 record, is just 13th in the division – and only 10 make the playoffs so this game may represent a must-win situation for the Patriots.
Foxcroft Academy at Searsport, Saturday: Foxcroft stretched its winning streak to 12 games with an 11- 5 win at Dexter on Monday. Coach Billy Kane’s Ponies haven’t lost since their season opener to Searsport when the Vikings scored seven runs in the fifth inning to erase a three-run deficit en route to a 9-6 victory. While Foxcroft is second in Eastern C, Searsport is solidly situated in fourth place.
Bangor at Lewiston, Monday: This Memorial Day matchup could be all that separates Bangor from an undefeated regular season, if the 14-0 Rams can follow up Monday’s 12-2 win at Mt. Blue of Farmington by defeating Skowhegan on Wednesday. Lewiston, meanwhile, is battling Brewer for the No. 4 seed in the division and possible home-field advantage should the Blue Devils meet the Witches in the Eastern A quarterfinals.
