By Michael Hoffer
MaxPreps.com
The most sought-after individual award in Maine high school football has been bestowed.
Quarterback Jack Hersom of Lawrence High School edged out fellow finalists Kyle Stilphen of Gardiner and Justin Villacci of Gorham to take home the James J. Fitzpatrick Award, better known as the "Fitzy," Sunday at the annual awards banquet in Portland.
The award is given to the top senior football player in the state and is voted on by the media and coaches.
Hersom followed up a stellar junior year, which saw him lead Lawrence to the Class A state championship, by guiding the Bulldogs to a perfect regular season record in 2007 and another berth in the state final (a loss to Bonny Eagle of Standish). Hersom threw for over 1,400 yards and 17 touchdowns and rushed for nine more scores.
Boys Basketball: Top Teams Keep Rolling
About the only thing for certain as the boys' basketball regular season hits the stretch drive is that nothing's for certain. High drama continues from Kittery to Fort Kent.
Only a handful of teams remain unbeaten, but one of them is the Cheverus Stags of Portland, who improved to 12-0 in Western Class A play Monday with a dominating home victory over Westbrook. The Stags, thanks to pressure defense creating easy baskets, scored the game's first 20 points and cruised to a 68-45 win over the Blue Blazes. Cheverus junior Mick DiStasio led all scorers with 20 points (all coming in the first half).
Even though they're the only undefeated team left in Western A, the Stags still trail Thornton Academy (11-1) and Deering (10-2) in the Heal Points standings.
The Golden Trojans are back on track after a loss at South Portland.
The Rams, meanwhile, earned a big dose of confidence Saturday when they defeated visiting rival Portland. Deering led most of the way and never allowed the potent Bulldogs to get untracked offensively. The Rams were led by 20 points from junior Ronald Abwoch and also got 17 points apiece from senior Kyle Donovan and junior Khadar Abbas, who enjoyed a breakout game.
South Portland continues to prove that it belongs with the big boys, following up its signature win over Thornton Academy with victories at Noble and at home versus Bonny Eagle.
The schedule now gets very, very interesting as Cheverus, Deering, Portland and South Portland all start playing each other.
Wednesday, Deering goes to Cheverus. Friday, Cheverus hosts South Portland. On Jan. 29, the Stags host Thornton Academy in the only regular season meeting between the powers. The No. 1 spot in the standings could be up for grabs. Cheverus' final three games are home versus South Portland and at Portland and Deering.
Deering's final three games go at Portland, home versus South Portland, home versus Cheverus.
Portland improved to 9-4 Monday with a 59-43 home win over Scarborough. Junior Ed Bogdanovich led the team with 22 points. The Bulldogs continue to struggle with consistency and are now without senior standout Justin Powell for the rest of the season.
Scarborough (8-5), Westbrook (7-6), Bonny Eagle (6-6), Windham (6-6) and Biddeford (5-7) are also in the mix. Gorham (now 4-8) is picking up steam and will likely qualify for the postseason yet again.
In Eastern A, the defending state champion Rams of Bangor are now 12-0 and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The Rams have a compelling matchup with Edward Little upcoming. The Red Eddies (who almost upset Bangor in the first meeting) were second in the Heals.
Cony (9-4), Mt. Blue (9-3) and Lawrence (7-5) are also looking for top seeds in the tournament. Mt. Ararat (7-4) and Skowhegan (8-4) are quietly lurking.
In Western B, the story continues to be the Yarmouth Clippers. Friday night, the Clippers improved to 11-1 on the season with another stirring victory, this one 63-56 at Falmouth. Yarmouth led most of the way, then held on for dear life down the stretch behind 30 points from junior Johnny Murphy. The loss snapped a seven-game winning streak for the Yachtsmen.
Yarmouth is still first in the Heals and has a bit of breather with its schedule before closing the regular season at home versus Cape Elizabeth and at Freeport. The Clippers are also on the verge of getting senior star Joe Dilworth (broken hand) back in the lineup. They'll be even more daunting once that happens.
Cape Elizabeth has quietly put together a tremendous season of its own. The Capers are now 10-2 and are second in Western B. Freeport continues to win (a 73-41 home victory over Western C contender NYA Saturday was especially impressive) and is third. Defending regional champion Mountain Valley (10-1) is having a somewhat anonymous (for them) season and is fourth. Greely (9-3 and on the rise) and Falmouth (8-4) are the other serious contenders.
In Eastern B, Maranacook remains perfect at 12-0 and is on top of the Heals. Perennial power Camden is right there, however, and at 12-1 remains a serious threat. Presque Isle (11-2), Caribou (10-1), Mt. Desert Island (10-2), Gardiner (9-4), Mattanawcook (9-2), Rockland (9-3) and Old Town (8-4) look to round out the top contenders in the region.
The Western C parade is led by Traip Academy, which is 10-0 after a scintillating 68-67 home win over Greely last week. The Rangers have answered every challenge and should make a serious run at a regional crown. Traip has company in the Heals from Winthrop (10-0), Boothbay (11-1), Dirigo (11-1), Gould (7-1), NYA (8-3) and Wiscasset (8-4)
Calais remains perfect in Eastern C (10-0) and leads the standings. There are plenty of other contenders, led by Lee Academy (9-2), Schenck (10-3), Dexter (8-3), Narraguagus (8-4) and Orono (8-4).
Richmond is still perfect in Western D (11-0) and leads the Heals. That perfect record will be put to the test this week when NYA comes calling. Forest Hills (10-2), perennial power Valley (9-2) and Seacoast Christian (7-4) are also knocking on the door.
In Eastern D, it's Deer Isle-Stonington (11-1), Central Aroostook (10-0), Easton (11-1) and everyone else. Woodland (9-2), Ashland (9-3) and Shead (8-4) are also in the mix.
The regular season ends Feb. 8. The playoffs begin Feb. 12.
Girls Basketball: More Contenders Emerge
The theme of the girls basketball season has also been unpredictability. Just when we think we have it figured out, either a top team gets knocked off or an unexpected challenger rises to the forefront.
In Western Class A, top-ranked South Portland took a hit last week with a 53-42 loss at Noble. The Red Riots, who are currently battling some injuries, still have the lead in the Heals over Deering (11-2). The Rams have won five straight, including a 45-32 home drubbing of McAuley, last Tuesday. Noble (10-4) has climbed to third in the Heals.
Scarborough (9-4) could be the dark horse. The Red Storm are contending in Class A for the first time since moving up to that level and are capable of beating anyone on a given night. Then there's Marshwood (9-5), Westbrook (9-5), Massabesic (8-4), McAuley (9-5) and Biddeford (7-6).
The final playoff spots figure to come down to Gorham (5-8), Cheverus (6-7), Thornton Academy (5-8) and Portland (5-9).
While Morse continues to lead in Eastern A with an 11-2 mark, the Shipbuilders are being chased by the two teams that beat them: Lawrence (11-1) and defending state champion Cony (11-2). Those three appear to be the cream of the region, but other teams are in contention as well. That list includes Brunswick (9-4), Oxford Hills (8-4), Messalonskee (7-6) and Bangor (10-2).
In Western B, Falmouth recovered from its lone loss (at Lake Region) by drubbing visiting Gray-New Gloucester and Yarmouth. The Yachtsmen still have home showdowns with York and Lake Region and a trip to Greely on their slate so the top spot is still up for grabs.
Lake Region (10-2), Greely (9-3 and on a seven-game win streak), Fryeburg (9-3), York (10-2) and Mountain Valley (9-2) are all in the mix as well.
In Eastern B, defending state champion Waterville looks imposing at 12-0, but the Purple Panthers aren't lacking for challengers. John Bapst (14-1), Hermon (13-1), Mattanawcook (10-0), Camden Hills (9-4), Erskine (9-4), and Gardiner (9-4) are hanging tough.
The Mountain Valley Conference dominates Western Class C, but there is one Western Maine Conference team keeping pace. The Flyers of Waynflete almost upset visiting Greely last week before falling, 46-39. The loss dropped the Flyers to 9-2, but they are gaining more confidence by the day. Waynflete is third behind Madison (12-0) and Monmouth Academy (10-2) in the Heals and still has a big game remaining with Lake Region. Telstar (8-5), Jay (7-5), Georges Valley (7-4) and Mt. Abram (7-5) are also teams to watch.
Eastern Class C features five teams with gaudy records. Leading the way is Houlton (11-1). George Stevens Academy is the lone unbeaten (11-0), but it's fifth in the standings behind Houlton, defending Class D state champion Lee Academy (8-1), Stearns (9-2) and Washington Academy (9-2).
The Western D story begins with Vinalhaven (11-2). Perfect Buckfield (9-0) and Forest Hills (7-4) are close behind.
In Eastern D, six teams have eight wins or more to date. Washburn (10-2) and Central Aroostook (10-1) lead the way in the Heals. Houlton Christian is 11-1. Woodland (8-3), Ashland (8-3) and Bangor Christian (9-3) are in the mix as well.
Hockey: Biddeford, Lewiston Continue to Lead the Way
On the ice, the 2007-08 Class A story reads very similar to last year's tale.
Last season ended with Biddeford defeating Lewiston in the state final and those powers are the lone remaining unbeaten teams in the class.
Biddeford has taken everyone's best shot, but has yet to suffer a blemish in 11 games. The Tigers are filling the net with regularity, but their defense and goalkeeping are often overlooked. In Western A, Biddeford is chased by Falmouth (7-2-2), Thornton Academy (8-2), and Kennebunk (8-3). The Yachtsmen are coming off a 1-1 tie at Lewiston. The Golden Trojans just defeated on-the-rise Scarborough. The Rams crushed Western B power York to the tune of 10-0 Monday.
Lurking in Western A are Portland (5-4-1), always-tough St. Dom's (5-6), Deering (5-6), Scarborough (4-8), Bonny Eagle (8-1) and Fryeburg/Lake Region (7-1).
Despite the tie against Falmouth, Lewiston continues to ride roughshod on Eastern Class A. The Blue Devils held on for a 5-3 home win over Portland Monday night and are now 11-0-1. Lewiston has a big home test against third-ranked Waterville (6-4-1) later this week. Brewer (10-1) and Brunswick (7-4) are also factors.
While York is 8-3-1 and leads Western B, the team to watch is the defending regional champion, the Greely Rangers. The Rangers have now won four straight, including a pair of victories at Eastern B contenders Presque Isle and Houlton/Hodgdon. Monday, Greely (now 7-4 and third in Western B) returned home and blanked slumping Cape Elizabeth 5-0. The Capers (5-7 and fourth in the Heals) had been shutout 9-0 at Presque Isle in their previous game.
Greely visits York Jan. 29.
Leavitt is still riding high in second place. The Hornets are 7-3 and are ever-dangerous. Maranacook (6-5) is a factor as well.
In Eastern B, Winslow leads the way with an 8-2-1 mark, including a 5-1 home win over Yarmouth Monday night. The Black Raiders appear to be the best team in the region, but Presque Isle (6-6-1), John Bapst (8-3), Gardiner (6-2-2) and Houlton/Hodgdon (6-5) are capable of beating anyone on a given night.
Michael Hoffer is the sports editor of The Forecaster, a family of weekly newspapers based in Falmouth. He can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net.
