Shire football team downs Washington Academy

    On a beautiful fall day along the coast of Maine, the Houlton High football team traveled to East Machias on Saturday to take on Washington Academy (WA). Field conditions were rough from week-long rains and previous activities, none of which slowed down the Shire team (4-1) as they returned home after a convincing 27-6 victory.
    In the first quarter the Shires struck early with a five-yard rumble by tailback Ryan Baptista and a PAT by Jake Drew. Cyruss Brooker scored on a nifty 39-yard reverse. Drew converted a two-point play to make the score 15-0.
    In the second quarter, quarterback Drew carried the ball in from the five-yard line. The score was set up by a return by Baptista and a 34-yard scamper by Brooker. The score at halftime was 21-0.
    In the third quarter, a razzle dazzle reverse by flanker Lucas Flewelling from the Washington Academy 26 made the score 27-0.
    Washington Academy scored in the final half minute of the game.
    The Houlton defense was stingy intercepting the ball three times — twice by Flewelling and once by Devin McLaughlin. Sabastion Walton, John Ramsey, Nick Hagan, Sam St. John and Dakota Gramour feasted on WA runners and the linebacking corp of Josh Upton, Drew and company made for a long day on WA offense with stellar pursuit forcing several turnovers.
    The offensive line, anchored by center Gary Tucker performed well, pushing WA off the ball and allowing big gains for the Shires.
    Head Coach Brian Reynolds said, “The kids are starting to understand the game. They showed a lot of grit and determination in the game.”