Pre-game ceremony 3 p.m.; kick off 5 p.m. at Maliseet Sports Complex
The Houlton High School football team (2-0) traveled over 300 miles on Monday to gain more than 370 yards in offense and exhibit stingy defense, along with displaying strength and quickness. With those components in place, the Shires picked up a 34-8 win over a strong MCI squad.
The Shires had a long layoff since their late August premier against Caribou. No matter, as they shook off the rust, they hummed like a well-oiled and fine-tuned machine grinding out yardage on offense. The hitting was hard producing a number of turnovers by both teams — none seemed to help MCI nor hurt Houlton; it was one of those days.
The big offensive line rose to the occasion creating plenty of huge holes and opportunities. Fullback Jacob Conrad led the charge as lead blocker. Taking advantage of those opportunities, Josh Upton, Jacob Jones and Ryan Heath accounted for the five majors and Gary Tucker caught a two-point conversion. Heath also converted two extra points. Running back Upton accumulated 214 yards on 16 carries with three touchdowns, reserve back Jones carried three times for 38 yards and a touchdown, while signal caller Heath ran four times and 74 yards and a touchdown.
The defense stood tall against a well coached and strong stable of running backs from MCI. Devin McLaughlin recorded five and a half tackles, a forced fumble and an interception, along with several well defensed opposition pass plays. Tucker had five tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. Sebastian Walton had a fumble recovery, while Garret Ring picked off an errant MCI pass. The Houlton defense allowed 117 yards and capitalized on three costly MCI turnovers.
Shiretowners head coach Brian Reynolds was satisfied with the team’s performance.
“This was a tough game and the kids responded well against a very good team,” he said. “I’m proud of them. We still have a way to go, but this was a good start. We are building a tradition.”
The Shires come home on Monday, Sept. 23 at 5 p.m. to host Old Town in the inaugural game at the new Maliseet Sports Complex. A ceremonial blessing begins at 3 p.m. prior to kick off. The public is welcome and urged to support the latest high school sports program in Houlton.
Pigskin Preview
The junior high team, fresh off a convincing 45-0 drubbing of Madawaska will be at home at the Maliseet field on Saturday against Caribou in an important league showdown. Game time is 1 p.m.
The Peewee team travels to Hampden for a contest on Sunday. Kickoff is 1 p.m.
