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.

Wolverines Take Another Win

Bridgton notched a victory against Springfield yesterday. Look for game recap shortly.

Player Profiles by Player/Blogger Nadjee Harrington

Nadjee Harrington of Lawrence, MA, is helping out with the Wolverine Football Blog by bringing player profiles and soon some longer stories. Nadjee is a wide receiver her at Bridgton. Thank you to Nadjee for bringing us these profiles.



Robbie Carbonne
Hometown: Cranston, RI
Height: 6’0
Weight: 195
Age: 18
Position: Free Safety

How did you hear about Bridgton Academy?
One of my cousins came here

What do you hope to get out of this year at BA?-both academically and athletically?
Graduate with a higher GPA than a 3.0 and play football in college
Who are your role models?
Father and Tom Brady

What do you hope to be doing five years from now? Ten years from now?
Being in college getting my Masters, then becoming a sports broadcaster

What does it mean to be a Wolverine?
To be part of a brotherhood

What are you most looking forward this year?
To graduate and excel in sports
Favorite class?
Intro. Communications

Least favorite class?
Algebra 2

Favorite sports team?
New England Patriots

Strengths and weakness in the class and on the field?
Writing and running, and I reading and my size

Favorite sports memory?
Scoring a touchdown when I was younger to win the championship game




Giovanni Clayborne
Height: 6’0
Weight: 190
Age: 19
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Position: OLB

How did you hear about Bridgton Academy?
Heard it through one of my friends who played lacrosse and football.

What do you hope to get out of this year at BA- both academically and athletically?
Feel prepared for college, being successful, and push myself to the limit skill wise.

Who are your role models?
Mom, mostly because she’s a hard worker and brought me up right

What do you hope to be doing in five year from today? Ten years from today?
Being a successful in business management, then later enjoying my life retired.

What does it mean to be a Wolverine?
Meeting new people and learning stuff about becoming a man. Also, sports is big in being a Wolverine because I can’t get enough of it.

Favorite class?
English

Least favorite class?
Math

Favorite sports team?
Oakland Raider

Strengths and weakness in the class and on the field
In the classroom, my strength is my eagerness to learn, but my weakness is time management. On the field, my speed is my strength, but my size is my weakness.

Favorite sports memory?
When I started in the Super Bowl, my sophomore year at defensive end.





Buddy Leathley
Height: 6’0
Weight: 175
Age: 18
Position: QB
Hometown: Syracuse, NY

How did you hear about Bridgton Academy?
Through George Deleone,, former offensive coordinator for Temple University

What do you hope to get out of this year at BA- both athletically and academically?
Better grasp of how to be a student athlete

Who are your role models?
Parents

What do you hope to be doing five years from now? Ten years from now?
Playing football somewhere and later doing something I want to do and have a couple of kids (laughs)

What does it mean to be a Wolverine?
Means understanding how to be a good student and athlete and how equally important they are

What are you looking forward to this year?
Going undefeated in football

Favorite class?
World War 2

Least favorite class?
SAT Prep

Favorite sports team?
Philadelphia Eagles and the Boston Red Sox

Strengths and weaknesses in the class and on the field?
On the field, my arm, my feet and my athletic ability are my strengths, but my weaknesses are the many, that’s why I’m here to fix them.

Favorite sports memory?
Beating CBA in high school

Next up Springfield College

The Wolverines hit the road for the first time this season as they head south to Springfield College for a 2pm game on Sunday the 14th. This should be a good test for the Wolverines as they see if they can carry their momentum off of Sunday's win over Husson.

Quick recap with stats

The Wolverine offense came out ready to play, resulting in 426 yards of total offense. QB’s Isaiah Kempf, Buddy Leathley, and Tanner Boucher were a combined 21 for 31 passing with 354 total passing yards of offense. Joe Robichaud was their favorite target, who amassed 5 catches for 54 yards. Alex Frazier (TE) had 4 catches for 87 yards as well. Bobby Williams, Anthony Jimenez, and Brendan McNeish each caught a TD pass during the game too. On the ground, Marquis Ruffin lead the day with 10 carries for 56 yards.

In the kicking game, Mitchell Ryder was 1 for 2 on his field goal attempts (20 yarder) and was 3 for 4 in his PAT attempts in one of the most successful days BA has had kicking in many years.

Defensively, Giovanni Clayborne lead the Wolverine defense with 9 tackles, while Craig Richardson contributed with 7. TJ Fossa, Travis Pascarelli, and Craig Richardson each had a QB sack on Sunday, while Robert Carbone picked off a Husson pass and returned it for 6 yards. RJ Kelly had a fumble recovery and gained 20 yards (post penalty assessment) helping our defense keep the Husson offense limited to just 12 points on the day.

Photos from Sunday's Game vs. Husson

A few shots from yesterday's game that went in Bridgton's favor. A good game on both sides of the ball and a great way to start the season. Click here for video highlights. scroll down to video and click on Football.


The handshake after the coin toss.

The 2008 Season kicks off with Mitchell Ryder putting the ball in play.

Early in the game Alex Frazier helped Bridgton move the ball with good yards after the catch.

Fazier heads for the sideline with #8 trying to close the gap.


Making the defender miss.

Staying inbounds for the extra yards

The defense didn't let Husson make much progress

Joe Madonna #57 nearly gets a block on a Husson punt.

Anthony Jimenez makes a cut...

...and picks up a block.


In the second half the Wolverines didn't let up the pressure offensively or defensively.
The Wolverine defense never let Husson get into a rhythm.



Bryan Tedford and #50 Francis McGrath team up on a tackle.

#75 R.J. Kelly picks up a fumble and begins a long run to the end zone.

Kelly not slowing down.

Kelly and linebacker Julian McClain (#25) celebrate in the end zone before the play is called back for an illegal block in the back.

The offensive line getting some mid game coaching from Coach Inzer.

Tanner Boucher #11 under center.

Isish Kempf #1 looking for a receiver down field.

Shane Ferguson #19, looking for space.

Final score.

The battle is left on the field.

The Wolverines celebrate their first win of the season, 1-0 a great start.

Bridgton Academy has a strong tradition of coaching in its alumni ranks. From left to right: Husson head football coach Gabby Price '68, Tom Daley '05 senior at Colby and recently named captain, BA assistant coach Pat Shairs '02, Patrick Daley (current student athlete), BA assistant coach Joe Daley '77, Lewiston High School head football coach Bill County '77, BA assistant coach Matt Burgess '88, Husson assistant coach Walter Polky '02, and Husson assistant coach Nat Clark '96.

Look for a stats recap soon.

Final Score- recap to come

First home game of the season vs. Husson, and the Wolverines didn't let the fans down.

Here's a shot of the final score- look for a game recap and photos tomorrow.

Game this weekend

The Wolverines take on Husson this Sunday for their first game of the season, and it happens to be at home. Kick off is at 1pm on the Ellis-Fisher Field, if you are in the area stop by.

It is an interesting match up as Husson has a coaching staff the knows Bridgton Academy. Head Coach Gabby Price graduated from BA in 1968. Nat Clark the Husson offensive line and special teams coach is a BA grad from 1996. Outside linebacker coach- Walter Polky is a 2002 BA grad (and classmate of BA assistant coach Pat Shairs- also class of 2002.)

Then you come over to the Wolverine sideline- in addition to Coach Shairs- you have Coach Daley '77 and Coach Burgess '88. Head Coach Marcella is a parent of an alum (as is Daley- who's third son is playing LB this year- his other two sons went on to play at Union and Colby).

Looking past this weekend, Bridgton Academy's next home game is Sunday, September 28th against Curry Collge- coached by Skip Bandini- class of '77 (classmate of Coach Daley). Bandini was named 2007 Coach of the Year by both the New England Football Writers and the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston.

Wolverine football- a great tradtion to be a part of.

Tanner Boucher- player profile

Tanner Boucher, a 6'5", 215lb QB from Keene, NH comes to Bridgton Academy with the goal of improving himself both in the classroom and on the field. We caught up with Tanner just before practice on Monday, the first day of classes.

WF- Tanner how was the first day of classes?
TB- They were good, it's good to get started.

WF- What are you looking to get out of your year here at Bridgton Academy?
TB- I want this place to help me get into a four year college that will help me set myself up for success in life. The way this school is set up, with study hall, small classes, and lots of support is what I need.

WF- What do you think of Maine so far?
TB- I've really only been on campus, and it's small and out of the way, but that's the way a prep school should be- secluded. Less distractions, it lets us focus on why we are here.

WF- What are you looking to get out of your time on the football field here at Bridgton?
TB- I want the opportunity to keep playing at the next level, so I need to improve both physically and mentally.

WR- What does it mean to be a Wolverine?
TB- For me it's a second chance. I've had a lot of people go the extra mile to help me out and get me here. Coach Marcella, my parents, and I want to make them proud, to take advantage of this second chance. This year is going to give me a chance to make better choices and have better opportunities.



Good luck to Tanner and the Wolverines as they prep to play their first home game this Sunday- September 7th, here on the Ellis-Fisher Field at 1pm.

Do you have questions you'd like to ask the players? Post them to the comment section and we'll try to get them answered.

Two BA Alumni Shine at Stony Brook

A pair of Bridgton Academy alumni helped Stony Brook take their season opener against Colgate with a final score of 42-26 (complete game break down)

Edwin Gowins '08 and Dayne Hoffman '07 each put up impressive numbers, with Gowins '08 rushing for 147 yard and two TD's. Hoffman '07 went 16-8-1 for 174 yards and 1 TD.

Congrats to Stony Brook for a big win and congratulations to Gowins and Hoffman for great play and making Bridgton Academy proud.

Black vs Gray

Saturday saw the annual Black and Gray scrimmage take place up on Ellis-Fisher Field. This is the first chance for entire student body to get a chance to check out Bridgton Academy football- Wolverine style.

A few shots from the scrimmage.



Coach Marcella giving QB Buddy Leathley the next play.


The classic BA Mohawk- popular since the mid 70's. All major fashion trends begin in Maine, and more to the point at Bridgton Academy.


Justin Villachi (#32) on the run.


The Gray Team making a progress up the field.


Tanner Boucher (#11) moving the ball up the field with his feet.

Good midfield hit.