LINCOLN, Maine — The playoff road came to an end for the Houlton football team as the No. 6 Shires fell 60-28 to No. 3 Mattanawcook Academy Friday in a Class D quarterfinal match.
“We had five fumbles that led to 28 points for MA in the first half that we couldn’t overcome as the game went on,” Houlton coach Brian Reynolds said. “We competed physically with MA, and that has pretty much been our ‘MO’ all season long. Teams know they were in a dogfight, but we come up short on the scoreboard.”
Noah Reynolds led the offense with 238 yards through the air and three touchdowns. He spread the ball around throwing to Dan McNally, Seth Holston, Chris Beck and Will Belyea. Colby Calnan had two touchdown receptions and caught a pass for a 2-point conversion.
MA stats were not reported.
“Our guys did exactly what we asked and left it all out on the field,” Reynolds said. “I am proud of them for that. I feel that we are making the next step in the development of our program and that is competing week in and week out. With the exception of the Nokomis game, we have competed in every game we played this season.”
The team loses nine seniors to graduation — Dan McNally, Seth Holston, Jacob Forest, Damon Reynolds, Dylan Swimm, Colby Calnan, Chris Beck, Isaac Schools and Tristan Cosby.
“These kids have meant a lot to our program and make up a group that is our first class to play four years of high school football,” the coach said. “We thank them for that.”
