Street and Smith ranks MMA 20th in nation> Mariner football team to begin preseason Sunday under new head coach

Maine Maritime Academy has given the state’s football fans a lot to talk about in recent years.

There was speedy Kirk Matthieu, his valiant comeback from knee injuries, and his assualt on the state and national Division III rushing records.

Last fall, the Mariners unveiled a new artificially surfaced field and went on to win the ECAC Division III Northeast Championship on Ritchie Field.

When the 1994 MMA football team reports for training camp Sunday, the Mariners will assemble in Castine as the 20th-ranked Division III football team in the country. The only other New England team to crack Street and Smith magazine’s national Top 25 was perennial regional power Trinity College of Hartford, Conn.

In addition to a nationally ranked team, rookie head coach Mike Hodgson has inherited two preseason All-America selections in junior tailback Rob Marchitello and junior linebacker Jeff Houghton. Those accolades were bestowed by College Football Preview magazine.

Hodgson, who spent the last nine years as an assistant coach at Princeton University in New Jersey, said Maine Maritime should take pride in the preseason ranking, but that the Mariners shouldn’t make too much of it.

“If you look at last year’s team and all the returning starters we’re supposed to have, it’s not without merit, I don’t think,” Hodgson said. “But, you’ve got to put as much belief in preseason polls as you do in winter coming in July. It’s great exposure for our school, very much deserved. But we’re going to be approaching this season like we haven’t won a game in 10 years.”

Hodgson isn’t about to allow himself, his staff, or his players to get caught up in any of the preseason hype. He plans to make sure the Mariners “If it’s meant to be, that will come about,” Hodgson said. “We’re not going to get all jacked up and that stuff. I’m sure the seniors have got some high expectations. They’ve got a nice thing going and they’d like to take it to the next step.”

Houghton hopes the preseason notoriety might make the MMA program more visible to the NCAA selection committee.

“I hope we have a good year and we back it up,” Houghton said. “I think it’s good for the league and great for the team. I’m excited about the season because I really thought we had a shot to go to the NCAA’s last year. I’m sure (the poll) is going to give us a better shot this year.”

Marchitello, a 5-foot-10, 195-pounder from Kirkland, Quebec, sliced his way to 1,619 yards and 17 touchdowns a year ago after replacing the injured Matthieu. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry and put together five straight 200-yard rushing performances during the Mariners’ 1993 title season en route to All-New England Football Conference honors.

“As far as yards per game and rushing he’s the No. 1 returner in the nation (in Division III) according to the NCAA,” Hodgson said. “Robby was an All-American player last year, statistical-wise.”

Houghton, a former Bangor High School standout, has established a reputation as a fierce hitter and tireless defender. The 6-1, 210-pounder was an All-NEFC first-team selection after recording 76 tackles, including 33 solos, and two interceptions.

“Jeff Houghton, as a sophomore, was the leading tackler on the team,” Hodgson said. “I’ve seen him on film a couple of times just light people up.”

MMA opens its 1994 season Sept. 17 in Castine against Bridgewater State.