It was another bus trip for Head Coach Brian Reynolds’ football team. The Shires rolled into Caribou on Saturday afternoon to face the youthful, but eager Huskies at Sincock Field. This was the 2013 debut in a non-conference matchup.
The Houlton team defeated Caribou 51-0; punctuating that fact with a staunch goal line stand in the final minutes to preserve the shutout.
“We got all the kids involved,” said Reynolds, adding. “I was especially proud of the newer players. They stepped in and stepped up.”
Contributed photograph
SACKED — The Caribou quarterback gets sacked by Houlton’s Jacob Jones, No. 10, while teammate Dakota Gramour, No. 33, rushes in to finish the play.
After the opening kickoff the Houlton team suffered some first-game jitters which quickly dissipated. The Shires put four consecutive touchdowns on the board after the initial fumbled first series. Josh Upton opened it up with a three-yard rumble to pay dirt at the five-minute mark. Upton again made it into the end zone from the 10. Freshman Nick Botting scored from the eight-yard line.
On the fourth series, quarterback Ryan Heath found wide open receiver Dakota Gramour for a 23–yard reception and touchdown. Heath also found Gary Tucker twice for conversions. The score at halftime was 26-0.
In the second half Botting (five carries, 31 yards, two TDs) ran in a 21-yard score. Devin McLaughlin fielded a punt and streaked into the end zone untouched. Upton (seven carries, 75 yards, three TDs) tallied his third touchdown on an explosive 43-yard gallop. Heath converted on a keeper from three yards out.
In the final stanza Jacob Jones bulled his way in from the 10 to conclude the scoring feast.
On the other side of the ball the defense shone brightly. Jones accounted for five-and-a-half tackles, a forced fumble and two sacks. Sebastian Walton made three-and-a-half tackles, a forced fumble and a knocked down pass.
With plenty of experience and talent across the front, standout transfer student Tony Bonilla, Mike Holmes, Sam Richardson, Nick Hagan and Walton along with quick Jake Conrad, all played iron man on both offense and defense. The front line pressured Caribou throughout the game. The offense totaled 249 yards while the defense held the Huskies to -29 yards forcing numerous turnovers.
Veterans Jordan Violette, Trey Whitney and Chris Stoddard all made significant contributions in the game. Rookies Josh Beaton, Joe Dobbins and Walker Webb had their first taste of high school football and performed well.
The team welcomed the newest addition to the staff with the arrival of Vernon Upton as assistant coach. McKaylee Michaud was named team manager.
