HOULTON, Maine — A cold, blustery and wet day could not keep the Houlton football squad from heating up Monday as the Shires hosted their very first varsity game at the new Maliseet Sports Complex.
The Shires (3-0) did not disappoint the strong showing of fans that braved the elements as Houlton shutout visiting Old Town 21-0 in the Class C contest to remain undefeated on the season. Prior to the game, the Maliseet tribal executives, RSU 29 school officials gathered for a ceremonial blessing of the field. (See separate story on Page 1).
“This was a total team effort,” said Houlton coach Brian Reynolds. “The kids played well and it was great to see the large support for the team today.”
The first varsity points scored on the field came via the defense as Houlton pounced on an Old Town defender in their own end zone for a safety. That safety was set up by a lengthy Shiretown drive after Houlton took the opening kick-off and marched down the field. Nick Botting had a nifty, back-pedaling reception on fourth and long to keep the drive alive.
Houlton’s momentum was cut short when the team fumbled near the end zone, turning the ball over to Old Town. The Shires wasted no time getting the ball back as the Coyotes fumbled in their own end zone on the very next play, giving the Shires the 2-0 lead.
Houlton’s Josh Upton produced the first touchdown on the new field as he capped off another impressive drive on the Shire’s second possession. Upton took a handoff from quarterback Ryan Heath and darted to the right side of the offensive line, beat two Coyote defenders and went untouched into the end zone on a two-yard run. Heath converted the extra point kick and Houlton led 9-0.
In the third quarter, fullback Jacob Conrad (4 carries, 24 yards) bulled in from the 9-yard line to give the Shires a 15-0 lead. Houlton rounded out its scoring in the third quarter with a three-yard sneak by Heath.
Houlton running backs slogged for 190 yards and three touchdowns on the damp, soggy field. Upton led the way with 13 carries for 101 yards. The Shires total offense for the day was 198 yards.
On defense Houlton swarmed the Coyotes allowing only 45 yards. Nose guard Jacob Jones recorded four tackles and cornerback Garret Ring and Gary Tucker had 3.5 tackles.
Monday’s victory was the second shutout in three games for the Shires.
The Shires wished to thank the Maliseet Tribe, who provided free refreshments for the occasion along with Fred Grant for streaming of the game on WHOU; Jackie Condon for singing the National Anthem; Steve Martin for providing play-by- play announcing; Cliff Redman, official timer; and Athletic Director Bruce Nason for scheduling the event.
The Shires travel to Bucksport to take on the Golden Bucks on Monday, Sept. 30 at 4:30 p.m.
Editor’s Note: Andy Hay provided stats for this article.
