Houlton Shiretown varsity football head coach Brian Reynolds and assistant coach Vernon Upton traveled to Ellsworth early on Saturday for a two-day overnight camp with 16 varsity players returning Sunday afternoon.
“The kids worked hard and learned a lot,” said coach Upton.
The Camp was sponsored by the National Guard and The National Football League.
The objective of the camp was to refine player skills and techniques in a structured environment. The camp was attended by about 180 high school players throughout the state.
The Houlton squad played well in the 7-on-7 competition bowing out in the semifinals to eventual winner Hampden Academy, a Class B powerhouse. Jake Drew was named defensive MVP in the event.
Coach Reynolds said, “This was a great opportunity for our kids to meet and compete with some of our football brethren. It also gave us the sense of where we have to be on September 5” — which is opening day for the Shires at Orono.
The Shires have only this week to meet as an informal group before the MPA required ‘hands off’ period allows for a two-week respite. The preseason training and conditioning begins on Aug. 18 at the Southside School field.
In other news:
The Houlton Football Association is announcing the practice schedules for the peewee and junior high football programs.
Peewees — fifth- and sixth-graders —begin practice on Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 5 p.m. at Southside School. The junior high team — seventh- and eighth-graders — begin on Tuesday, Aug. 26 at Southside School. Both groups will practice each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
Flag Football for third- and fourth-graders will begin after Labor Day weekend. There is still time to register players.
The HFA is looking for interested candidates as coaches, officials and team Mom/Dads. For more information about these openings for the 2014 season go to www.houltonshirefootball.com or contact any member of the HFA Board or coaching staff.
