Winslow football routs Maranacook

WINSLOW — With one player unavailable and another at a new position, Winslow’s depth chart at running back for its season opener Saturday looked unexpectedly different than it did at the end of last season.

Winslow freshman Michael Loubier stands in the end zone after the first of his four touchdown runs Saturday against Maranacook. Purchase this image

The void was filled by a freshman in his first high school game, and his debut couldn’t have been much sweeter.

Michael Loubier rushed for 213 yards and four touchdowns as Winslow’s rushing attack bulldozed its way past Maranacook, 54-0, at Poulin Field.

“I thought from the start that we were well-prepared for this game, and the kids came out excited to compete and show it,” said Winslow coach Wes Littlefield. “Michael is a pretty special kid, and our offensive line was dominant. It was a great day.”

HOW IT HAPPENED

• With Hassan Hobbi out (family reasons) and Liem Fortin now at quarterback, Loubier got his chance to shine. The freshman scored on runs of 34, 35 and 5 yards before breaking off a 96-yarder with 5:42 remaining in the first half to put Winslow up 30-0.

“I just saw my buddy Nick McCann open the hole, and I just ran right off his butt,” Loubier said. “Honestly, it was all my line. I can’t put any of the credit on me, really, because I wouldn’t be anything without those holes there for me to run through.”

• Indeed, Winslow’s offensive line made it easy to shine. That unit, led by McCann, Lucas Spencer and Ben Thomas, paved the way for a rushing attack that racked up 416 yards, including nine rushes for 20 yards or more.

• Winslow held the Black Bears to minus-7 yards on the ground and forced multiple turnovers. Alyx Hardy intercepted Maranacook’s Dana Poulin twice, Samuel Berg had a pair of sacks, Ben Thomas recovered a fumble, and Owen Vigue returned an interception for a touchdown.

WHAT IT MEANS

• Winslow’s quest for a Gold Ball begins in dominant fashion. The Black Raiders return the bulk of last year’s Class D North runner-up squad and are favorites to emerge from the region this year as they take aim at their 12th state championship.

• Although a Maranacook team consisting largely of players new to varsity football had growing pains, the Black Bears did get a promising performance out of Poulin, who completed 10 of 17 passes for 104 yards.

NOTABLE QUOTES

“(Our rushing attack) is as powerful as it can be. We just have to put our minds to it, and if our O-line gives us the hole, we’ve got to run. … I’m so excited to see this team grow together as a family and become what it can become.” — Michael Loubier

“(Hassan and I) being able to take (Michael) under our wing and having our coaches coach him up the whole offseason has been huge for him. He hits the hole hard — we try to teach him that he doesn’t have to hit it that hard every time — but between this and our exhibition, you can see him getting better.” — Liem Fortin

STAT LEADERS

• Maranacook: Dana Poulin (10 of 17, 104 passing yards, two interceptions), Joshua Crosby (three receptions, 39 yards)

• Winslow: Michael Loubier (10 carries, 213 yards, four touchdowns), Liem Fortin (seven carries, 69 yards, touchdown), Alyx Hardy (two interceptions), Samuel Berg (two sacks)