Not long ago, when they both played in the Pine Tree Conference’s Class B division, the Winslow and Leavitt high school football team were rivals.

The Black Raiders and Hornets haven’t played each other in the regular season since 2010, but the rivalry lives on in the Class C state championship game. In a rematch of last season’s title game, won by Leavitt, the teams will meet on Friday night at the University of Maine’s Alfond Stadium in Orono. Kickoff is set for 7:06 p.m.

Additional Images

The Winslow High School football team seeks redemption Friday night when it plays Leavitt for the Class C state championship for the second consecutive season. Leavitt won the Gold Ball last year. Staff photo by Michael G. Seamans

This is the third consecutive state championship game for Winslow, which was Class C runner-up each of the last two seasons. Leavitt is in the state final for the fifth time in six years. The Hornets went to three consecutive Class B championship games from 2009-2011, winning the Gold Ball in 2009.

While Winslow (10-0) was the favorite in Eastern C entering the season, Leavitt (10-1) was expected to have a rebuilding year. The Hornets lost a huge senior class to graduation.

“I don’t think we went into the season expecting to be at this point,” Leavitt coach Mike Hathaway said.

Since losing in overtime to Cape Elizabeth in the season opener, the Hornets have won 10 consecutive games.

“They had a real large senior class last year, but they have a real large senior class again this year. It appears to be a reload for them,” Winslow coach Mike Siviski said.

With quarterback Levi Craig, Leavitt has thrown more this season than in the recent past. Receiver Maxwell Green has more than 50 catches and 1,000 yards to lead a talented group of receivers. Four Hornets have at least 30 receptions, Hathaway said. Along with Green, Billy Bedard and Gabe Seeley will start at wide receiver, with Mitchell Davis at tight end.

“We’ve thrown much more than we have ever before, and (Craig’s) been great,” Hathaway said.

Tailback Julian Kirouac is a weapon for the Hornets, as is Craig, who will not hesitate to run.

“They give you a lot to defend. A lot of misdirection, a lot of traps, a lot of counters,” Siviski said, “and they love to throw. I wouldn’t be surprised if they throw 35 times.”

Winslow’s secondary is led by Justin Martin, who also plays linebacker. The 6-foot-6 senior had 62 tackles and five interceptions in the regular season. Jacob Trask, Trenton Bouchard, and Dylan Hutchinson are also keys to Winslow’s pass defense.

Linebacker Alec Clark lead Winslow’s defense with 81 regular season tackles. Defensive end Luke Fredette had 53 tackles and three sacks in the regular season. Defensive tackle Nat Beckwith had three sacks in the regular season, and added two more in the 29-12 win over Waterville in the Eastern C final.

Offensively, the Black Raiders are led by senior tailback Dylan Hapworth, who has 1,646 yards and 23 yards rushing. Fullback Kenny Rickard has seen his carries increase in recent weeks, and ran for 72 yards and a touchdown last week.

Quarterback Bobby Chenard doesn’t throw often, but when he does, he gets results. Chenard threw three touchdown passes last week on five completions. Justin Martin, Jacob Trask and Trenton Bouchard are Winslow’s top receivers.

“They’re a lot better than they were last year,” Hathaway said. “They’re well-coached and seasoned.”

Leavitt’s defense is led by nose guard Will Parkin, Davis at defensive end, Cahndler Lajoie at linebacker, and strong safety Bedard.

“I don’t think people give them credit enough for being strong defensively. They’re a pretty good team defensively,” Siviski said.

Travis Lazarczyk — 861-9242

tlazarczyk@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @TLazarczykMTM

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