Boothbay won the battle of the unbeaten Sept. 22 using a stifling, hard-hitting defense and big play offense in defeating Maranacook Community School, 13-6, at Sherman Field. Both teams entered the game 3-0, and in the early going, it appeared Maranacook would retain the top spot in the Class E Heal point standings.

After Boothbay failed to convert a fourth and seven from its own 20-yard line, Maranacook scored six plays later giving it a 6-0 first quarter lead. Boothbay’s offense struggled to gain yardage, let alone first downs, for the remainder of the half. On its next possession, Boothbay attempted a fake punt, which was thwarted by Maranacook. The Black Bears had excellent field position throughout the first half, but only managed one score.

Boothbay’s defense stood strong throughout the game and never let Maranacook find the end zone for a second time. Boothbay head coach Ed Crocker planned to apply scoreboard pressure on Maranacook with an aggressive offensive game plan. Crocker’s decision to gamble early in the game was predicated on his confidence in his defense.

“We wanted to jump on them early so that’s the reason for the two early attempts on fourth down.,” Crocker said. “When we didn’t convert, I wasn’t worried. I have a lot of confidence in our defense and it showed. They shut them down the whole game.”

While the defense prevented a second Black Bear touchdown, the Boothbay offense struggled the entire first half. Several penalties, including consecutive false starts, doomed another offensive series midway through the second quarter. But halftime gave Boothbay a chance to make a key offensive adjustment. The Seahawks switched from their inside running game to a short passing game.

In the third quarter, Boothbay intercepted a pass on Maranacook’s third play from scrimmage. The short passing game sparked a once dormant Seahawk offense. Quarterback Jay Hasch connected with wingback Hunter Crocker with a 32-yard gain, and later, a 24-yard pass, which set up a first and goal situation. Two plays later, Hasch scampered into the end zone from two yards out.

With Boothbay leading 7-6, another long pass reception by Hunter Crocker resulted in a Boothbay touchdown. This time, Crocker took a pass in the flat, and scored on a 50-yard reception giving his team a 13-6 lead. Despite the early struggles, Hasch believed his squad would eventually move the ball. Hasch credited his offensive line for giving him enough time to complete those three passes to Crocker.

“They had some fast, firing defensive linemen which gave us trouble, but I knew our O-line would turn it around. I’ve never trusted a group of teammates more,” Hasch said.

Late in the third quarter, Maranacook’s offense started to move the ball. The Black Bears drove inside Boothbay’s 10. But the Seahawk defense tightened and stopped Maranacook on a fourth and goal from the six yard line minutes into the fourth period.

“We were prepared for whatever they did,” said linebacker Cameron Crocker. “The coaches did a great job. They showed us on film what they did, and when Maranacook shifted, we knew where the play was going.”

Boothbay’s victory propels it from third place in the Heal point standings to first. The Seahawks’ (4-0) next game is at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 in Bethel against Telstar (0-4).