PRESQUE ISLE — It was an action packed Saturday morning Sept. 26 as the Taco Bell Patriots took on the Madawaska Valley Spartans. Both teams fielded potent offenses in the back and forth season-opening meeting of the two middle school clubs in the Aroostook Football League.
The Valley Spartans edged Taco Bell 38-36.
Members of the Taco Bell Patriots include Christian Nunez, Saul Nunez, Frank Nunez, John Shemkovitz, Tyler Proulx, Kyle Nadeau, Caleb Nadeau, Craig Nadeau, Anne Bryant, Zach Connelly, Amanda Bagley, Liam Daniels, Dylan Lovely, Zach Hammond, Jesse Sullivan and Tyler Charette.
The Taco Bell Patriots won the toss and elected to receive the ball and their opening drive resulted in a turnover. The Valley Spartans were able to capitalize on the turnover with their opening drive resulting in their first touchdown. The Pats held firm and prevented the extra point. Craig Nadeau returned the Spartans kick and the Pats took over in excellent field position and the ensuing drive resulted in a Patriots touchdown.
Tied at 6-6, the Spartans were able to mount another scoring drive, this time converting the extra point to make it 13-6. The Patriots next possession ended with a fumble and following the turnover, Spartans scoring returned with another drive for a touchdown but they were held on the extra point attempts. The score at end of first quarter was 20-6.
The Patriots offense scored on the next drive to bring them within a touchdown 20-12. The Patriots defense held firm on the ensuing drive as they forced a Spartans punt and the resulting drive resulted in a touchdown to bring the score to 20-18.
Valley Spartans received the second half kickoff and brought the score to 26-18 with their second half opening drive. In the second half the offenses on both teams played very well with back and forth scoring until the final score of 38-36. The Patriots were unable to score their extra points and the game ended with a Spartans victory.
Major Offensive highlights for the Valley Spartans included three touchdowns from Nick Daigle, two scores for Caleb Tardif and one for Trevor Bellefleur.
The majority of the Patriots offensive production was credited to Saul Nunez, Proulx, Craig Nadeau and Charette.
Defensively, both teams demonstrated a willingness to play tough and keep the scoring close, according to assistant coach Dan Bagley.
On Saturday, Oct. 3, the Patriots rebounded with a 36-18 victory over the Time Warner Cable Polar Bears. The Polar Bears also represent the Central Aroostook area.
Staff photo/Joseph Cyr
BUSTING HIS WAY through a tackle in a Sept. 26 game is Tyler Charette, right, of the Taco Bell Patriots.
