WINSLOW — When asked to name the ways quarterback Bobby Chenard has improved in his three years at quarterback, Winslow High School football coach Mike Siviski rattled off just about every skill you’d want a quarterback to have.

“Experience, presence, size, game knowledge, all of the above,” Siviski said. “It just goes with playing.”

Now a senior, Chenard has been under center for the Black Raiders since the start of his sophomore year. With a career record of 28-4 heading into Saturday’s Eastern Class C regional championship game against rival Waterville — including appearances in the last two Class C state finals — Chenard is nearing the end of one of the most successful quarterbacking careers at a school with a long list of very good quarterbacks.

“It’s definitely a good experience. You don’t get an experience like this playing anywhere else in the state, playing in front of the best fans,” Chenard said. “Winslow always has a great atmosphere. It always has a special feeling.”

Recently named second team all-conference, Chenard will lead the Black Raiders (9-0) on to the field for a 1 p.m. kickoff Saturday against Waterville (8-1).

Before he played for Winslow, Chenard was a waterboy for the Black Raiders and there he watched and learned from his predecessors, including Steve Siviski — another three-year starter at quarterback — Scott Siviski, and James Wood.

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“I was waterboy for the longest time. It was a good feeling, being on the sidelines, getting to know all the players,” Chenard said.

Since becoming the starting quarterback as a sophomore, Chenard said he’s seen the same improvement as his coach.

“I feel my footwork’s gotten better over the last couple of years. I’ve gotten a little quicker, so we’ve been able to throw more plays in there. My arm’s gotten better. I’ve been able to throw more than I did sophomore year,” Chenard said. “I’m more confident back there in the pocket. I’ve got a little bit more knowledge of what’s going on. I’m a little bit more comfortable with everything around me.”

Chenard is now comfortable enough running Winslow’s offense, he can occasional correct its architect.

“We have some sort of telepathy going. When I call the wrong formation, he straightens it out,” Siviski said.

Chenard’s improvement in the passing game has enabled the Black Raiders offense to become more diverse this season, Siviski said. Chenard agreed.

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“Our passing game has opened up over that last few weeks, and that’s significantly helped our running game. You can’t just focus on one aspect with us. We’re not a one-trick pony anymore,” Chenard said.

With Winslow ahead so often, Chenard had only one opportunity in the regular season to bring his team back. At Foxcroft Academy on Oct. 10, Winslow trailed by nine points late in the second quarter and by five with just over five minutes to play. With a drive that started at Foxcroft’s 45-yard line, Chenard led the Black Raiders on a seven-play drive, culminating in Dylan Hapworth’s 1-yard touchdown run. Chenard carried the ball four times for 27 yards on the drive, and his 9-yard run set up Winslow with first and goal, and the Black Raiders won their only close game of the regular season, 26-25.

“I knew it was now or never on that drive. I felt like I had to do whatever I could to help my team win that game, and I just went out there and gave it my all on that drive,” Chenard said.

Among the colleges Chenard is considering is Endicott, where he may continue his football career. Chenard said he plans on studying biology and pre-med.

Travis Lazarczyk — 861-9242

tlazarczyk@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @TLazarczykMTM


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