The high school football season is approaching the midway point and teams are already jockeying for playoff positions.
Undefeated Hermon, under first-year head coach Kyle Gallant, faces its stiffest test of the season when the Hawks travel to Bar Harbor to take on Mark Shields’ defending Class C North champion Mount Desert Island Trojans.
That is one of the highlight games on Friday night’s schedule along with the Class D North battle between Bucksport and Foxcroft.
Hermon Hawks (3-0) at MDI Trojans (3-0), Bar Harbor, 7 p.m.: The upstart Hawks were winless in 2015 and 2-6 a year ago but have made a statement this season. Shields said Hermon’s success is no fluke. “There are a lot of kids playing football in Hermon right now. They are a very athletic team and they have good depth. They’re a contender, for sure,” said Shields.
Gallant is looking forward to getting a gauge as to just how good his Hawks are. “This will be a real test,” said the 27-year-old Gallant. “They are one of the top teams in this league so we’ll definitely see where we are. The kids are excited about it. MDI is fast and athletic and they have a big front line. They’re experienced.”
The Hawks will have their hands full with the likes of running back Colby Lee, who ran for nearly 300 yards in a 43-22 win at Bucksport last Friday. Quarterback Andrew Phelps can throw and run and the defense is led by linebackers Elijah Joyce and Sam Hoff, tackle Micah Hallett and two-time all conference nose tackle Josiah Joy. MDI’s loss came to perennial power Winslow 21-20.
Hermon features standout senior running back Jordan Bishop and athletic junior quarterback Garrett Trask. His targets include River Mullen, Keith Pomeroy, Wyatt Gogan, Jacob Kamorski, Tyler Carmichael and Brendan Swoboda. Gallant said the defense has been a collective effort with all 11 players flying to the football.
Greely Rangers (1-2) at Brewer Witches (2-1), Doyle Field, 7 p.m.: Brewer coach Nick Arthers is quick to point out that the Rangers’ record is misleading. “Their 1-2 record doesn’t reflect how good they are,” said Arthers. “They have some really good, skilled guys. They’re a tough team. They’re very physical. We’re going to have to establish the line of scrimmage and our defense can’t get back on its heels.”
Greely’s two losses have come to undefeated Kennebunk, the defending regional champ, and Marshwood. And its win came at the expense of a Westbrook team (31-6) that gave Brewer its only loss (25-22). Senior running back Bryant Kiley has been Brewer’s offensive catalyst, running for over 500 yards including 330 in a 21-19 win over Lawrence. Bryce Largay is another effective runner. Andrew Kiley, Garrett Graham, Jacob McCluskey and Zach Steiger have been Brewer’s defensive standouts. Greely quarterback Nick Male threw two TD passes against Westbrook and the Rangers have some quality backs in Joey Cassella and Tim Coyle. Nick Gauvin is another weapon.
Waterville Purple Panthers (2-1) at John Bapst Crusaders (1-2), Husson University, Bangor, 7:30 p.m.: This is the BDN Game of the Week and will be streamed live at bangordailynews.com. Waterville’s Purple Panthers have had a nice resurgence after a winless 2016 campaign. They lost to archrival Winslow last week. John Bapst, 1-7 a year ago, topped Old Town 25-14 for its first win a week ago.
Bucksport Golden Bucks (1-2) at Foxcroft Academy Ponies (2-1), Dover-Foxcroft, 7 p.m.: The Ponies have scored 113 points and will be taking on a Bucksport defense that has surrendered 121 points. The Bucks are coming off a 43-22 home loss to MDI while Foxcroft posted a 61-14 triumph at East Machias over Washington Academy last Friday night.
Maine Central Institute Huskies (2-1) at Cape Elizabeth Capers (2-1), 7 p.m.: MCI has rebounded from a season-opening loss to Oceanside of Rockland/Thomaston to post victories over Nokomis of Newport and Belfast. Cape Elizabeth’s only loss has come to defending state C champ and undefeated Wells, 14-7.
“Cape Elizabeth is a physical football team with a lot of good athletes. They fly around on defense,” said MCI coach Tom Bertrand. “We have to limit our mistakes, limit their third-down conversions and convert our third downs.”
His son, Adam Bertrand, has been the top rusher and also anchors the defense from his linebacker slot along with nose guard Seth Bussell. Freshman quarterback Ryan Friend likes to throw to David Young and T.J. Kuespert. The Capers feature quarterback Andrew Hartel and running backs Ryan Weare and Jack Glanville.
Bangor (0-3) at Lewiston (2-1), 7 p.m.: After three lopsided losses, Bangor will try to make some inroads against a Lewiston team that has already matched last year’s win total.