Bridgton Academy wins 42-12 Over Curry College JV

The Bridgton Academy Wolverines walked onto the field this past Sunday and came away victorious as they beat Curry College’s Junior Varsity squad, 42-12.
The scoring began midway through the first quarter when Alex Frazier scored on a pass from 32 yards out. Leading 7-0, after a Mitchell Ryder extra point, the Wolverine defense rushed the Colonel’s quarterback—Shane McMahon capitalized on the defensive pressure and intercepted the pass, taking it all the way for a 55 yard touchdown. Not to be underdone, Eric Agyeman intercepted a ball on Curry’s next possession.

After Curry scored on its next possession, Shane McMahon took the kickoff return down the Curry’s 3 yard line—two plays later Lewis Bailey scored off tackle to make it 21-6. Late in the second period Tanner Boucher found Brendan McNeish from 30 yards out down the middle of the field to take a demanding, 28-12 lead.
As the second half began, the Bridgton Academy Wolverines kept to their winning ways with an interception from Allen Fessette. On their next offensive drive, Tanner Boucher found Joseph Robichaud in the flats and he scampered his way into the end zone to make it 35-12. Michael Wheeler scored the final touchdown for Bridgton as he went off tackle from the two yard line.

Though the Wolverines showed they had improved from the previous week, their biggest challenges lie ahead. Bridgton Academy will face a dominant Holy Cross Junior Varsity squad this Sunday in Worcester, Massachusetts. Kickoff is at one o’clock.


Alex Spradlin (Stroudsberg, PA) getting through the Curry offensive line.


Alex Monetta (Kenfield, CA)on the run.


Bailey Lewis (Chelmsford, MA) punches one over the goal line.


Buddy Leathley (Manlius, NY) handing off the ball to Michael Wheeler (Hanover, MA).


Wheeler looking for space after the hand off.


Lewis reaching for extra yards in the red zone.


Leathley passing to Joe Robichaud (Madison, CT)


Robichaud moving up field after the catch.


Ryder Mitchell (Plattsburgh, NY)kicking the extra point.


The Wolverine defense collapses on the ball.


Julian McClain (Southborough, MA) knocking a Curry player out of bounds.


Shane McMahon (Windham, NH) running back a punt to the 2 yard line.

Wolverines Beat Curry College JV 42-12

Bridgton Academy football improves to 4-0 as they beat Curry College JV by a score of 42-12. The game was played at home on a rain soaked field that at times saw traction be an issue for both teams.

Look for a game recap as well as photos soon.

Home Football Game This Sunday

Just a reminder the Wolverines play at home this weekend, Sunday, September 28th at 1:30pm against Curry College.

Hope to see you here.

Player Profile- Mitchell Ryder

Mitchell Ryder
Height: 5’71/2
Weight: 156
Hometown: Beekmantown, NY
Position: PK

WF- How did you hear about Bridgton Academy?
MR- I learned from Kevin Fessestte, former BA graduate.

WF- What do you hope to get out of your year at BA-both athletically as well as academically?
MR- I like to improve on my test scores, along with grades, and I like to gain more exposure athletically.

WF- Who are your role models?
MR- My parents and Adam Vinateri

WF- What do you want to be doing five years from now? Ten years from now?
MR- Five years from now, I hope to be getting a Masters degree, and ten years from now I hope to be in the process of becoming a family man.

WF- What does it mean to be a Wolverine?
MR- Definitely builds characters and mental strength/toughness.

WF- What are you looking forward to this year?
MR- I’m looking forward to great friendships and bettering myself.

WF- Favorite class?
MR- History of the West with Mr. Jones

WF- Least favorite class?
MR- SAT Prep


Profile and photo compiled by Nadjee Harrigan '09- and Wide Receiver for the Wolverines

Norwich Game Recap

The Bridgton Academy Football squad left Maine this past Sunday and headed to Vermont to play Norwich’s Junior Varsity team. What looked to be a sure victory (leading 31-6 in the third quarter) turned out to be a closer match than the Wolverines would have liked, squeaking by with a 38-26 victory.

With nine minutes to play in the first quarter, Shane McMahon came hard off the edge on a corner blitz, causing the quarterback to fumble—Giovianni Clayborne was there with the recovery and danced his way around some would-be tacklers into the end zone. Leading 6-0, Coach Marcella made a bold decision and decided to call for a fake punt close to mid-field as the offense failed to convert on third down. Catching the Cadets by surprise, Michael Lamarque was left uncovered and Robert Carbone found him streaking up the field; after dodging the return man, Lamarque ran up the right sideline for the score. Tanner Boucher found Anthony Jimenez in the corner of the end zone for the two point conversion. The next series Norwich found themselves deep in their own territory and with fewer than eight minutes to play in the half when Ethan Sylvain stripped the ball from the running back and Joey Baldacchino ended up with the recovery. The next play Lewis Bailey took it in off the guard from the one yard line. Ahead by three scores, the Wolverines added to their first half total with a 32 yard field goal by Mitchell Ryder.

As the second half began, things started to get interesting. After a Norwich touchdown pass, the Wolverine offense answered back with a score of their own—a one yard touchdown run from Michael Wheeler. Up 31-6 with 6:53 to play in the third quarter, Norwich got the momentum back with two other quick scores. Though the Cadets tried to catch the Wolverines off guard with a surprise onside kick, Stephen Ferriter picked up the ball (before it traveled ten yards) and ran it into the end zone. Leading 38-19 Norwich kept coming back, scoring on a three yard touchdown pass. With just under two minutes to play, the Cadets were knocking on the door yet again, but Kevin Sledge came up with a big interception to seal the victory. Other key interceptions during the game came from Michael Lamarque, Patrick McGrath and Jarrett White.

The Wolverines were not terribly happy with their overall play, but are still happy with the win. After a lengthy phone interview, Drew Inzer (offensive line coach) had the following to say, “Basically the line played well—we played a lot of different guys in a lot of different positions. We played well enough to put some points on the board. All of our lineman stepped up today and were ready to play football. It was nice having Matt Gallery as captain, leading the team victory.”

The Bridgton Academy Football team will face a greater challenge this coming Sunday as they host Curry College on Sunday, September 28th.

Recap provided by Assistant Coach Patrick Shairs '02

Wolverines Take Season Record to 3-0

Bridgton Academy football took another win, going up 3-0 on the season with a road victory against Norwich JV. The final score was 38-26, and gives the Wolverines good momentum going into their second home game of the season when they take on Curry College next Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

Look for a complete game recap soon.

Wolverines Beat Springfield 23-8

The Bridgton Academy football team starts the season 2-0, as they won their second contest of the season 23-8 against Springfield College on Sunday. This was the Wolverines first game on the road and came on the heels of a strong opening performance against Husson College, where they won their kickoff home game 36-12.

“We got on the board first in the with an 18 yard field goal by Mitch Ryder in the first quarter. In the second quarter defensive back Allen Fessette had an interception that eventually resulted in points for the Wolverines when Tanner Boucher connected with Isaiah Quinones for a ten yard touchdown to go up 10-0, Ryder connected on the extra point,” said head coach Rick Marcella.

In the third quarter Springfield began what looked to be a comeback after the Wolverines handed them an extra set of downs after a roughing the kicker penalty. Springfield took advantage of the opportunity and scored and then converted on their two point attempt, bringing the game back to a one possession game.

Bridgton had numerous opportunities in the red zone in the third quarter but was unable to convert. On another trip into the red zone the Wolverines turned the ball over. But a strong defensive effort led by linebackers Francis McGrath and Craig Richardson, kept Springfield from getting on the board again.

“In the fourth quarter our offense heated up, Buddy Leathley connected with Joe Robichaud on a 21 yard pass for a touchdown. Later in the quarter Anthony Fitts had a 15 yard run for a score. On that possession our extra point was blocked,” Coach Marcella said.

“Overall we didn’t improve as much as I had hoped, and despite showing flashes of brilliance we still had to many mental lapses in the game. As a coaching staff we’ll shoulder some of that responsibility and we’ll work hard to improve,” Marcella said. “Looking to Norwich next week we are facing an improved program. Their varsity has started 2-0, first time since 2004, and an improved varsity means an improved JV. We need to adjust to the travel and eliminate the mental mistakes on the field,” continued Marcella.

Bridgton Academy heads to Norwich University this Sunday for a 2:00 p.m. game. Then the Wolverines return home for their second home game against Curry College on Sunday, September 28th at 1:30 p.m. Bridgton will play their third and final home game of the season on Saturday, October 11th against Navy Prep at 1:00 p.m.