This year’s Boothbay football season kicks off on a Thursday night. The Seahawks travel to Old Orchard Beach Sept. 5 on what may end up being the team’s toughest game all year. In 2023, OOB rolled through its 8-man football schedule with seven straight blowout victories including a 68-0 win versus Boothbay at Sherman Field. OOB won the Small Conference Southern Division before losing to Orono in the state final.

Boothbay coach Ed Crocker sees OOB as having another strong team this season. “We have a lot of reasons for optimism. We have seven seniors and 15 players returning with experience,” he said. “Our first game will likely be our toughest test. OOB is always good, and I think they will have another strong season.”

Boothbay finished 3-5 last season. Besides the lopsided OOB loss, the Seahawks lost, 52-20, against Sacopee Valley in a key regular season match-up which determined playoff seeding. Boothbay’s loss resulted in a trip to Hiram for a playoff contest. Boothbay’s persistence and improvement during last season showed in the playoffs. The Seahawks lost in the division quarterfinal with a 22-20 loss to Sacopee.

Captain Spencer Wenners is a senior. He is looking forward to a strong season. “We have a lot of players back, and I’m hoping we can improve to where we are more competitive this year against the stronger teams,” he said.

Besides Wenners, Boothbay has three other senior captains. All three are expected to play quarterback during the season. Tyson French is expected to start at quarterback. Crocker likes French’s athletic ability and decision making. “He is a good athlete and does a good job making decisions,” Crocker said. “There are a lot of run-pass option plays in our offense. Tyson is great at making all those quick decisions.”

Captains Maddox Cusumano and Aidric Canada will both play quarterback but mostly be key factors in the Seahawks’ running attack. “Maddox is a fullback, and one of the best players in the league. Aidric is extremely fast. We will center our running game mostly around these two guys,” Crocker said. 

The coach plans on using a strong running game to set up a passing attack. Wenners and sophomore Shawn Gamage will be the main receiving targets. “This will be a great way to throw the defense off with passing,” Crocker said. “After Maddox and Aidric wear down the defense with their running, Tyson will throw the ball to Spencer and Shawn. These guys who are strong, fast and tough, and 8-man, basically, is a throwing game.”

Crocker expects his defense to have another strong season and his team could post a winning record this fall. “We have talent and a lot of experience. So, I don’t see why we can’t win five games this season,” he said. 

Besides being key players on the squad, Crocker sees his four captains providing significant leadership roles this season. “Not only are they great players, they are great leaders,” he said. “They play hard and work hard. They are great examples for our younger players.”

This season, 8-man small southern conference teams will play an additional game. Boothbay has eight regular season games this fall. Three are against new opponents. Boothbay will host Ellsworth at 7 p.m. at their Sept. 13 home opener. The Eagles finished 1-6 in the northern division last season. Washington Academy of East Machias is the second new opponent. Boothbay travels to East Machais to close the season on Oct. 25. The third newcomer is Spruce Mountain who finished 0-7 in the large division last season. Returning opponents are OOB, Sacopee Valley, Mt. View, Telstar, Traip Academy and Spruce Mountain.