Shire football team defeats Ellsworth; play first home game Nov. 3

    The Houlton High School football team traveled to Ellsworth Saturday for the last road game of 2012. They pulled out a thrilling 16-0 win with the whole team contributing.
    “This was a gem. All the hard work these kids have put in since August came together. They put an exclamation point on their season.” said coach Brian Reynolds.
    Houlton (5-1) jumped out to a 6-0 lead when Quarterback Jake Drew called his own number and ran up the middle for six in the first quarter.
    In the second quarter, the offensive line gave Drew plenty of time to spot receiver Sam St John. The pass went for 22 yards and a touchdown. Tailback Josh Upton ran in the two point conversion to make the score 14-0. JJ Jones rushed for valuable yards along with Cyruss Brooker and Upton.
    The second half was a contest of wills as both teams slugged it out. It was time for the defense to shine. The Ellsworth team was shut out thanks to heads up play by St John-3 fumble recoveries. Lucas Flewelling’s interception stopped an offensive series that looked like a ‘sure thing’ Ellsworth drive. Freshman Jordan Violette playing at an unfamiliar middle linebacker position recovered a fumble. John Ramsey recovered another Ellsworth fumble.
    The Ellsworth Eagles were pushed back to their own 5-yard line in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter when tackle Ramsey broke through the line and forced a safety putting the score at 16-0.
    The Shires had recorded their third shutout of the season.
    “This was no sloppy game.” said Coach Andy Hay referring to the many turnovers.  “It was the hard hitting of both teams and the heads up play of the team that secured this win. I’m really proud of them.”
    The Shires come home to play the ‘Senior’ game against the Caribou Huskies on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Bob Ruth Field for a 1 p.m. kickoff. The public is invited to watch the first high school game since 1950.