After Boothbay’s first football game Sept. 1, the scoreboard read Maranacook 56, Boothbay 20, but coach Ed Crocker still saw a lot of good things in defeat. Boothbay began its 8-man football season playing against one of the southern division’s top teams. Maranacook boasts a 41-man roster with 17 seniors. 

Boothbay has 18 players total including senior Luke Morley, one of the squad’s most physical players, who is nursing an injury. In Readfield, Maranacook moved the ball on the team’s opening drive, but Boothbay’s defense stiffened and didn’t yield any points. The Black Bears eventually scored two touchdowns in the first quarter. Boothbay managed one touchdown, and nearly had a second. The Seahawks failed to score on a fourth-and-goal from inside the one-yard line as the quarter ended.

“Maranacook moved the ball on us, but we were still competitive in the first quarter. I thought we scored to tie it at the end of the quarter, but the officials saw it differently,” Crocker said. Boothbay’s resistance melted in the hot and humid conditions resulting in Maranacook taking a commanding lead in the final three quarters. “It was like we hit a wall. Overall, we played well on defense, but they just made too many big plays,” he said.

Crocker liked what he saw on offense with junior quarterback Aidric Canada leading the attack. “Aidric is a smart, athletic kid. When a play breaks down, he makes something happen,” Crocker said. Boothbay also has depth at running back with senior Slade Balsdon and junior Maddox Cusumano handling most of the rushes.

Balsdon is also playing defensive end. Crocker said he will rely on Balsdon to play a lot of snaps this season. “Slade is a good runner and tackler. He made a lot of plays on defense, and played a key role in our running game along with Maddox (Cusumano) gaining several first downs,” Crocker said.

Another senior playing on both sides of the ball is Josani Farmer. He is the team’s starting cornerback and alternates at running back. “I’m looking forward to making my last season a great one,” he said. The past week’s heat wave definitely took a toll on him, and his teammates. “I love to play, but this weather is bad for the body. Yesterday (Sept. 5) really wiped me out practicing,” Farmer said.

Balsdon is also adjusting to his role as a senior leader. He enjoys mentoring younger players. “I’m looking forward to taking more of a leadership role. If I see somewhere I can help a teammate, I step in, and show them,” he said.

This is senior Andrew Fowlie’s third year playing football. He never played before joining the team as sophomore. He is looking forward to playing more this season as a guard. He will also provide depth on the defensive line. “I play right guard which is a big responsibility. I need to protect Aidric from pass rushers,” he said. 

A new player has already made an impression on Crocker. Freshman Shawn Gamage is the starting safety and second-team quarterback. Crocker likes Gamage’s size and athletic ability. “He is already starting as a freshman which is a big responsibility. At quarterback, he’s completed a couple passes. He has also played tight end,” Crocker said. “Shawn caught a pass, and ran for 30 yards. He must have dragged a tackler 15 yards. With his size and strength, he will make a big contribution.”

As the season develops, Crocker sees his team playing competitive games against Mt. View of Thorndike, which is in its second year of 8-man football. Telstar of Bethel graduated 17 seniors last year, so he sees it as a developing team. Boothbay plays Traip on Sept. 9 in Kittery. Traip lost to Old Orchard Beach, 64-0, in their season opener. Sacopee Valley of Hiram is another conference team. Boothbay has had success against the Hawks in past years. “I believe we can beat all those teams, and finish the season with at least four wins,” Crocker said.