Just before graduating from Bucksport High this summer, Chad Gilley decided he wasn’t quite ready for college. He wanted to go, but he thought his study habits needed work.

So the two-sport standout opted to enroll at Hebron Academy for a year of postgraduate studies.

“The first few weeks were really tough being away. You’re here and you can’t leave. They’re pretty strict about that,” said Gilley. “But it helped me out as far as studying and budgeting time. I think I had a little too much freedom sometimes.”

There isn’t much free time at Hebron, which requires students to participate in at least two sports during the year and participate in some kind of after-school athletic or academic program.

His newfound disclipline has helped him in and out of the classroom. Gilley had to make the transition from defensive tackle, a position he’s played the last two years, to middle linebacker – a more complicated position requiring him to read offenses and call the defensive plays.

It was a seamless transition. Gilley led the team in tackles with 89 (58 solo) and, despite playing for a 1-7 team, was named to the All-New England Prep School Class C Team on defense. The team was selected by a vote of the 15 New England prep school coaches.

“That’s probably the ultimate compliment for him to be selected because even with our record, most of the coaches agreed he should be on the team,” said Hebron coach Moose Curtis. “We weren’t very good this year, but Chad constantly played hard and rallied his teammates. There’s no quit in him.”

“I’d rather have won more games than win this, but it’s nice to make this team,” Gilley said.

His season came to a premature end after a tackler lowered his helmet and tackled him from behind midway through the team’s final game. Gilley said the hit to the small of his back jarred his spinal cord and caused him to spend two days in a wheelchair.

“That was scary, but it was just temporary. I’m fine now,” he said.

Hebron’s team MVP plans to play baseball this spring before going on to college, is interested in attending St. Joseph’s College, the University of Southern Maine, Nichols College, Norwich University, or Maine Maritime Academy.

“I hate to see him go,” Curtis said. “It’d be fun to have him around another year because he’s the kind of player you can build around.”

As much as Gilley appreciates his time at Hebron, he’s eager to move on.

“I’m a lot more ready for it now. In fact, I’m looking forward to it now,” Gilley said. “I’m not going to forget everything I learned here, but a little freedom will be nice.”

Deering’s Meas earns honor

Deering High of Portland running back-defensive back Sokha Meas has been named the Gatorade Maine High School Player of the Year.

In only his second year of varsity football, Meas broke the school rushing record with 1,360 yards on 203 carries. He recorded 13 touchdowns to help the Rams make the playoffs with a 5-3 record.