Shires fall to Stearns

    MILLINOCKET — Wins have been harder to come by for the Houlton High School football team this season, its first year as a varsity school sport. The Shires traveled to Stearns Friday night match up against the Minuteman.
    Jitters, youth and inexperience set the tone early as Houlton found itself in a 36-0 hole by halftime.
    In the second half the Shires showed some spark and dug themselves almost halfway out with two touchdowns and a two-point conversion by sophomore Quarterback Jake Drew. Sophomore all purpose back J.J. Jones ran for the other two-pointer.
    The defense regrouped and shut down the Minutemen in the final two quarters. Senior John Ramsey led with 10 tackles.
    “We are a very young and enthusiastic team. It is a steep learning curve for our kids.” said head coach Brian Reynolds. “The caliber and quality of play we witnessed was faster and better executed than what we have faced in the past. It leaves no room for error. We made some costly mental errors and paid dearly for them, but the kids have no reason to feel badly. I have no doubt they will progressively improve through out the season. ”