WINSLOW — On Saturday afternoon, under sunny skies and perfect weather, the Winslow football team found itself back in its element.
After a difficult offseason following the death of co-head coach Pete Bolduc, the Black Raiders were back on the green grass of Poulin Field for their season opener. Winslow took advantage of the opportunity, cruising to a 58-14 victory over Old Town.
Winslow, the defending Class C North champions, moved to 1-0. The Coyotes fell to 0-1.
Winslow paid tribute to its late coach and teacher — who died on Dec. 7 after suffering what the school called a “medical event” — with a moment of silence before the game.
“It was awesome, to play for (Bolduc), especially,” said Winslow senior Michael McCullough, who scored two touchdowns. “To have our first game (of the season), at home. It’s a great way to start the season off. Couldn’t ask for a better way.”
“It was nice to get over the hump of some of the other things that have gone on over the last year or so and get out here and play football,” Winslow head coach Wes Littlefield said after the win.
The Black Raiders rolled to victory in classic style, pounding the Old Town defense with their run game out of the double-wing formation. Junior Matt Quirion and senior Pedro Garcia provided the 1-2 punch in the backfield, with Quirion rushing for 191 yards on 10 carries, scoring two touchdowns. Garcia ran for 120 yards on 11 carries and scored four touchdowns.
“That was my first game (with multiple touchdowns),” Garcia said. “Last year, I only started on defense. This is my last year (of high school football) and I wanted to shine. I’ve been working in the offseason and, hopefully, fill the spot.”
“We had some good success running the ball (last week in a preseason game against Lawrence) in different places and throwing the ball,” Littlefield said. “This week, we worked on some stuff, and you could tell today that (it worked).”
Winslow only needed to throw the ball twice, one which was a 25-yard scoring strike from quarterback Jared Newgard to McCullough in the second quarter.
McCullough had a big day on both sides of the ball. A defensive back, McCullough had two interceptions off Old Town quarterback Jordan Craft, one that was returned 75 yards for a touchdown late in the first half.
Winslow quarterback Jared Newgard (12) passes the ball as he is pressured by the Old Town defense during a football game Saturday in Winslow . Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel
McCullough, who also serves as Winslow’s kicker, was a perfect 6 of 6 on extra point tries.
The Winslow defense kept Old Town to just 51 yards of rushing. The Coyotes did have success through the air, as Craft finished 15 of 31 for 192 yards and two touchdowns along with his two interceptions. One of his touchdown passes was on a 35-yard connection with wide receiver Davon Alston, who had five receptions for 102 yards. Teammate James Cote had five catches for 53 yards and a touchdown.
Both teams traded early scores on in the first two series of the game. But Winslow jumped out to a 14-8 lead after Garcia scored on a 6-yard run, his first of the game, to give the Black Raiders a 14-8 lead.
Winslow would then score 21 unanswered points, including two more touchdowns from Garcia, for a 36-8 lead.
“Once I saw the holes (from the offensive line) I just saw clear lanes and green grass,” Garcia said. “You’ve just to go, full sprint. The line pursued with their jobs and gave me the opportunity with these touchdowns. I thank the line a lot.”
“I think we got into a nice offensive rhythm,” Littlefield said. “Took advantage of some stuff. It was good, I think the kids played hard today.”
Old Town would score late in the second quarter, on a 10-yard pass from Craft to Cote, to trail 44-14 at halftime. But Winslow jumped out to the final 58-14 score on a 17-yard touchdown run from Quirion and an 8-yard run from Garcia, both in the third quarter.
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