The County Renegades (1-1) displayed grit and determination on the road last Saturday, as they pitched a shutout against a depleted Caribou Huskies squad.
“Their numbers are down this year,” said head coach Steve Martin, “but we were in no position after getting pasted last week to look past anybody.”
The Renegades defense was dominant from the get-go, allowing only four first downs on the day, while racking up five turnovers. Offensively, the visitors were still a bit plodding in their approach, as they continue to work out the early-season kinks, but it was more than enough to take sole possession of first place in the GNYFL’s northern division.
Contributed photograph
STOPPED — A Renegade player is tackled by a Caribou Huskie defender, as players from both teams move in on the play.
“We still have a ton of work to do to be where we want to be, especially offensively,” added Martin. “But if you had told me this time last week we would be in first place and that the defending league champs (Madawaska) would be 0-2, I’d have said you were crazy.”
Madawaska lost 21-28 to Medomak Saturday at home and faces the Renegades in Hodgdon at McIntyre Field this Saturday at 2 p.m.
“We know we are facing a wounded tiger this Saturday,” said assistant coach Chris Bond. “You can bet the Mustangs (0-2) will come into town breathing fire this weekend.”
The first quarter was a rather stodgy affair, as the two teams traded punts before starting freshman tailback Jed Grant (GHCA) pounded in the first of his three touchdowns from 15 yards out to give the Renegades a 6-0 lead. It remained that way until halftime, but the Renegades’ big line was obviously turning the game the visitor’s way by then.
In the second half, the guys from southern Aroostook turned up the heat on defense and blitzed more regularly, taking advantage of the wet ball and the multiple miscues by the Huskies center who could not seem to get the shotgun snap to the quarterback.
“It was one of those days where the weather played a bit of a factor,” said defensive coordinator Wayne England, “the ball was wet, and their center just couldn’t execute, so we really began to take advantage of that.”
The Renegades’ defense, led by freshman linebacker Sam Geary (eight tackles, two assists, two sacks) harassed the opposing quarterback throughout the second half, sacking him five times and taking the ball away three.
“Our defense is going to be key for us down the stretch run,” added England, “and they showed why today.”
Offensively, the Renegades were led by Grant (10 carries, 63 yards, three TDs), and junior wideout Gavin Russell (Katahdin) who had his second consecutive game with a receiving touchdown, while getting two catches for 35 yards. Fullback Joe Silliboy (Hodgdon) gained 22 yards on six carries, and sophomore receiver Albert Beaupre (Hodgdon) grabbed a nice ball on the sidelines for a 20-yard gain.
All in all, the Renegades gained 110 yards on the ground on 24 carries, and racked up 72 yards through the air on a combined four of nine (plus the TD to Russell) by their two quarterbacks.
Other leaders on defense were Dakota Reinhardt of Katahdin (four tackles, one assist, and a 35-yard interception return) Grant (three tackles plus a sack and a fumble recovery) and mammoth noseguard Colby Seely-Jones (Woodstock) who harassed the center all day, adding to the miscues, picked up two tackles, two assists and a sack. The 345-pound Seely-Jones also had a big three-yard run in the first half out of the jumbo package to pick up a key first down.
The Renegades will play Saturday at the McIntyre Field in Hodgdon at 2 p.m.. Admission is free. Restroom facilities are available.
GNYFL Standings:
Northern Division
W L PF PA
Renegades 1 1 34 28
Madawaska 0 2 39 49
Caribou 0 2 0 62
Southern Division
Central Me. 2 0 42 24
Medomak 2 0 56 27
Milo 1 1 40 21
