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WINTHROP — On the steep hill next to Charlie’s Field on Tuesday night, members of the Winthrop/Monmouth/Hall-Dale football team tried putting their heads together.

Head coach Joel Stoneton asked trivia questions about the program, such as who has scored the most touchdowns in school history (Cody Cobb), or the last time the team was in a state final (2021). Get the question right, and the team would avoid a trip up the hill.

It was a lighthearted moment for the Ramblers. But among the group of fun-loving teenagers lies one of the most vicious defenses in the state.

Winthrop (10-0) has allowed just 6.6 points per game, including two shutouts, and has not allowed more than 13 points in any game. The Ramblers have collected 10 sacks, 15 interceptions and 101 tackles for a loss.

But Winthrop, the D South champion, will have its toughest test in the Class D title game at 2:30 p.m. Saturday against North champion Winslow (9-1) at Don Roux Field in Lewiston. The Black Raiders average 50.1 points per game and have scored 60 or more three times the season. Their offense is led by two running backs with more than 1,000 rushing yards in Michael Loubier (1,481 yards, 18 TDs) and Hassan Hobbi (1,075 yards, 20 TDs).

“We’re all feeling really good about this (week),” said Winthrop senior linebacker Brock Dewar. “We’re more than excited to play in this game.”

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” added junior linebacker Ross Fichthorn. “To have this is really special.”

It’s only the fourth time the two storied programs have played each other. Winthrop has a 1-2 record against the Black Raiders, with the lone win coming the last time the teams clashed, in 2022.

“(Winslow) is big, they’re physical, they like contact,” said Stoneton, who is in his 30th overall season with the program. “They tackle well and block well. Their wingbacks are extremely fast. (Loubier) is something else. They’ve got all the weapons and we can’t make any mistakes.”

On Saturday, the Ramblers will find out if they’re up to the challenge.

“The speed, the power, the work (the Winthrop defense) has put into the offseason with the speed drills, in the gym getting stronger, that’s something they all ate up and that’s something that’s helped them,” Stoneton continued. “I wouldn’t say we don’t have weak links, because we can always get better. We don’t let them get comfortable. In fact, they play better when they are uncomfortable. They get after it, but they do it with class, and that’s a good thing.”

Each of the three levels of the unit has standouts. Tristyan Ortiz — who has 36 tackles, eight tackles for loss and two sacks — said speed helps the defensive line cause havoc soon after the ball is snapped.

“We come off the ball hitting hard, getting into the backfield and putting pressure on (the opponent),” said Ortiz, a sophomore.

“The team chemistry (is key),” added Fichthorn, who has been in on 99 tackles and intercepted two passes. “We know our assignments and (our teammates’) assignments. That leads us (to the ball) every single time.”

The linebackers are led by Dewar, a classic throwback of a player who thrusts himself into every play. The senior leads the team with 99 total tackles, 28 for a loss, and 2.5 sacks.

“He leads with his feet at all times,” Stoneton said. “He’s a man of few words, so when he does speak, people listen, and he can back it up. He has an extreme intelligence on the defensive side of the ball that you can’t always teach. It just comes naturally. … He’s like having a coach on the field. His physicality is what stands out. When he’s flying through the air, it’s not because it looks cool, it’s because it’s the only way he can get there and make the play.”

Ben Porter, a tall and rangy senior cornerback, also has a nose for the ball. He leads the Ramblers with four interceptions and two forced fumbles, and he has 10 tackles for loss.

“We’re strong, we’re athletic,” Porter said. “That helps a ton with all three levels (of the defense).”

Saturday’s Class D final is a battle of two traditional central Maine powerhouses. Winslow has 11 state championships, the most recent in 2015. The Black Raiders are seeking their first Gold Ball since the retirement of Mike Siviski, the legendary coach who guided Winslow to seven state crowns. Winthrop, which boasts six state titles, all in Class C, is also a regular contender, but the Ramblers haven’t hoisted a Gold Ball since 2000. Saturday will mark Winthrop’s third trip to a state final (2008, 2021) since that 2000 season.

“They’re a tough-running team,” Porter said of Winslow. “They’re well-coached. They have well-designed plays. They’re a big-play kind of team, they can bust out long runs. We just need to get a good game plan from our coaches, go in there and execute. … It’s been a long time since we’ve brought a Gold Ball home. It’s always kind of been expected. We fell short the last couple of years. To bring it home would just mean a ton to us, and it would feel really good for us and our fans.”