FAIRFIELD — It’s not the playoffs, but that doesn’t mean tonight’s Pine Tree Conference Class A game between Brunswick and Lawrence is any less exciting.

For the first time since the 2008, Lawrence and Brunswick play in the regular season. Lawrence is 7-0, Brunswick is 6-1, and both have their sights set on the No. 1 seed in the upcoming playoffs.
These teams met in the playoffs in 2009 and 2010, both at Lawrence’s Keyes Field. Each time, Brunswick left Fairfield with a win.

“It’s definitely been in the back of our heads the whole season. We really want to get that win. It’s going to be a big game for us, a very emotional game,” Lawrence captain Josh Perry said.

In another Pine Tree Conference Class A game with big playoff implications, Messalonskee (5-2) hosts Bangor (6-1). A win ensures a playoff spot for Bangor. Messalonskee needs to win its final two games to clinch a playoff bid, but the Eagles can also get in with Skowhegan and Lewiston losses in the last two weeks.

Both Lawrence and Brunswick rely primarily on a strong running game to move the ball, and both feature fast, ball-hawking defenses.

“They’re super aggressive. They’ve got great linebacker play. They get to the ball very quickly,” Hersom said of the Dragons’ defense, which is led by linebackers Sam Bessey, Keith Kitchens and Jordan Rysdham. “They are a real quality opponent. We know that.”

One-third of the points Brunswick has allowed this season came in a 21-20 loss to Bangor on opening night. The Dragons committed six turnovers that game, but haven’t lost since.

“I think it was just a matter of getting some of our players adjusted to playing at the varsity level,” Brunswick coach Dan Cooper said. “We’ve got two deep at every skill position. We have a lot of athletes. Just having that depth is key.”

That depth is most apparent in the Dragons’ offensive backfield, where Kitchen, Rysdham and Dylan Walton are each big play threats when running the ball. Even with Walton missing time this season with an ankle injury, the trio have combined for more than 1,500 yards rushing.

“Dylan’s trying to get back to 100 percent,” Cooper said. “He gets better every week.”

“(Kitchens) runs very hard, so it’s going to take a lot to take him down. We’ve all got to get to the football and group tackle them,” Perry said.

Added Hersom: “We’re going to have to defend the entire field, I’m sure, and kind of focus on the run game first, and try and get enough guys committed to stop the run and force them to do things that they don’t like to do by passing the ball.”

Lawrence halfback Shaun Carroll, Jr. leads the league with 1,072 yards rushing, but missed last week’s game at Cony with a groin injury. Carroll said he expects to be ready to play against the Dragons.

“It’s Senior Night, so there’s going to be a lot of emotion on the field,” Carroll said.

The Bulldogs also played at Cony last week without Jake Doolan (concussion) and his twin brother, Josh (hamstring). Hersom said Jake has been cleared to play and will play defensive end. Josh, a halfback/linebacker, hopes to play. If neither Carroll nor Josh Doolan can play or are limited, the Bulldogs can give more carries to quarterback Spencer Carey, or backs Anthony Sementelli, Chase Collins, and Beau Grenier.

“We just kind of have our fingers crossed that (Carroll and Josh Doolan) will be ready to go, to give us an impact with our offense,” Hersom said.

Defensively, Lawrence is led by lineman Eriq Stewart, Carey at safety, Perry and defensive end Bryant Wade.

“They fly to the ball on defense,” Cooper said. “They’ve got some talented kids.”

Travis Lazarczyk — 861-9242
tlazarczyk@centralmaine.com

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