HOULTON, Maine — Opening the season with an impressive victory could be just what the young Houlton football team needed to continue its growth on the gridiron this year.
Houlton (1-0) displayed speed, power and determination as the Shires downed the Dexter Tigers, 28-14, before a good crowd under the lights at the Maliseet Sports Complex on Friday.
“The team played very well for the first game,” coach Brian Reynolds said. “We have a few things to work on. Hopefully we will be ready when Camden Hills comes to town next Friday.”
The Shires scored all the points they needed in the first half, and played solid defense in the second half to secure the victory.
Houlton quarterback Jared Fox completed 7 of 14 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown, while Austin Brown had three receptions for 88 yards and two touchdowns and two 2-point conversions to lead the Shires offensively. Garrett Ring added four catches for 40 yards.
The Shires did most of its damage running the ball as the team carried 33 times for 251 yards. Josh Upton had 13 carries for 62 yards and a score, while Brown added 14 runs for 87 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Brown, Gary Tucker, Jacob Brown and Nick Botting each had nine tackles while Upton and Damon Reynolds each had six tackles.
Dexter managed just 151 yards rushing and just 65 yards passing.
Reynolds told his team at Thursday evening’s pre-game walk-through that the season turned on one game — Dexter. His squad answered the call, responding with a an all-around well-played game.
After holding the Tigers to a three-and-out on the first possession of the game, resulting in a punt, Houlton got on the scoreboard quickly as Fox hit a swing pass to Brown on the outside and Brown scampered to a 56-yard touchdown. Houlton’s extra point try was unsuccessful.
After Dexter scored to tie the game at 6-6, coach Reynolds turned to his power running attack feeding Upton the ball on numerous carries. Houlton marched methodically down the field and Upton finished off the drive as he rumbled into the endzone with an 18-yard plunge, giving Houlton a 12-6 lead.
In the second quarter Brown displayed his remarkable talents as he slashed and scored again — this time on a 14-yard dash to the endzone. The Shires opted to go for two and again it was Brown who took the ball and raced to the corner pylon giving Houlton a 20-6 lead.
On Dexter’s next possession, Houlton defensive end Zack Hagan intercepted a pass and rumbled 48 yards for a touchdown.
“The defense is mobile and big,” said Andy Hay, defensive coordinator. “Damon Reynolds and Gary Tucker take up a lot of space in the middle and are very skilled.”
The team played iron man football as the defense and offense were essentially the same corp. First-year defensive end Jacob Brown played well according to Hay Houlton gave up two passing TDs, but was able to gain possession of the ball in the closing minutes. The Shires took a knee for two plays, the clock wound down and the first win of the 2015 season was in the books.
The game was stopped in the first quarter when a Dexter’s Dave McKenney suffered a leg injury and had to be taken from the Maliseet Field by ambulance.
Dexter (0-1)6080—14
Houlton (1-0)121600—28
