HOULTON, Maine — The undefeated streak came to an end Friday evening for the Houlton High School football team.
Houlton (2-1) played well for one half against a finely-tuned squad from Mattanawcook Academy, but ultimately fell behind in the second half, resulting in a 40-20 loss.
“It was a hard fought game between two pretty good teams,” Houlton coach Brian Reynolds said. “MA just had too many weapons. Our plan was to stop their speedy outside receiver and limit their QB and we did that, but ended up getting beaten by their tight end and running backs.”
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- Houlton quarterback Noah Reynolds fires the ball down the field during Friday night’s game against Mattanawcook Academy. (Joseph Cyr)
Houlton senior running back Seth Holston continued to be one of the bright stars for the Shires as the talented senior rumbled to 237 yards on 27 carries (8.8 yards per carry), including a long run of 61 yards. He finished with one touchdown on the evening.
“Seth has been outstanding all year long, already rushing for over 500 yards in just over two games on the season, including the Orono game being stopped early),” coach Reynolds said. “Teams really key on Seth but it doesn’t seem to matter. Our line is strong in the run blocking game. Seth rushed for 237 yards on Friday accounting for most of our offense.”
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- Houlton’s Jordan Brown, right, gets some help applying eye black from coach Brian Reynolds Friday evening prior to the Shires’ game against Mattanawcook Academy. (Joseph Cyr)
Sophomore Ethan Carter had 13 yards on eight carries, with a touchdown. Senior Daniel McNally added 19 yards on five carries.
Houlton’s Daniel McNally runs with the ball during Friday night’s football game against Mattanawcook Academy. The Shires fell 40-20. (Joseph Cyr)
Getting Holston, and the other running backs, some help via the passing game is one of the things coach Reynolds said he would be working on during practice this week. Quarterback Noah Reynolds went 0-for-5 on the evening, but did have a rushing touchdown.
“We need to get some help via the passing game to open the run up some more,” the coach said. “We have been right there and close on hitting on some big pass plays, but don’t seem to be able to execute when we need to. We need to get our passing game going and get healthy.”
Healthy was something the Shires were not as Friday’s game wore on. Several Houlton players were knocked out of the game, but coach Reynolds said he expected most of those players to be able to play in the next game.
“I think we will get all of our guys that were injured on Friday back for next week except one,” he said. “It’s the nature of the beast though. Every team is dealing with injury problems this time of year. We just need to take a next man up mentality and go back to work.”
Coach Reynolds added that the team is getting to the tougher part of its schedule, facing the likes of Ellsworth, Old Town and Nokomis in the coming weeks.
Friday night’s game featured one of the largest crowds on hand since the Shires officially became a high school team three season’s ago.
“The crowd was awesome, most likely the biggest crowd we have ever had at a game,” coach Reynolds said. “I’m guessing there was upwards of 500 people there. The support is great and it really gets the kids pumped up to play the game.”
Houlton’s next contest is Friday, Sept. 22, on the road against Ellsworth at 7 p.m.
