The Messalonskee football team made a big move in 2001. John Hersom’s Eagles stepped up from LTC Class B to the Class A Pine Tree Conference and found some immediate success.

The Eagles finished the campaign with a 4-5 record; however, the loss that dropped them below the .500 mark was a 27-7 loss to Lewiston in the first round of the PTC playoffs.

“[Making the playoffs] was a pretty good accomplishment,” Hersom said.

But to make it two years in a row will take some doing.

“We’ll earn our money down here this year. That’s for sure,” Hersom said.

The Eagles lost 13 players to graduation last year. That was the known. The unknown was that Messalonskee has since lost 12 more players they were counting on for academic reasons and personal choices.

“Some of those kids that aren’t playing had a year or two experience. So we’re in a little bit of an odd situation. We’re really small in numbers from what we’re used to,” Hersom said.

The Eagles are beginning the season with nine seniors, seven juniors, and 24 sophomores out on the team. There are also 26 players in the freshman program.

“For a varsity program, we’re down from what we’ve been in the past with our upperclassmen,” Hersom said.

The Eagles will look to a core group of five players to lead the team.

Returning at quarterback is senior Matt Workman (6-foot, 180 pounds).

“Matt started last year. He’s a versatile athlete. With him at quarterback, we like to have him run the option. And we intend to throw the ball quite a bit,” Hersom said.

Workman will hand the ball off to senior Mike Pierce (5-10, 180).

“He’s a utility back. We use him a lot of ways, at wingback and flanker. He’ll be in a situation where he carries the ball quite often,” Hersom said.

When Workman drops back he’ll be looking for junior wide receiver Isaac Hutchinson (6-2, 170) and Ryan Hross, a 6-1, 195-pound senior who has been moved to tight end.

The line is anchored by 6-4, 235-pound senior Quincy Bailey.

“He’s pretty physical and a returning starter. He’ll definitely be a force for us in our offensive line where we’re pretty young,” Hersom said.

The coach points out that the line has a guard and center rotation of sophomores.

“Some young people are going to have to step up for us,” Hersom said.

Despite the low numbers and the youth of the team, Hersom is not ready to throw the towel in.

“This is different than what we’re used to. We’re not selling ourselves short. I know one thing. Our kids will work hard and prepare themselves. It may not happen right away. But it will happen,” Hersom said.

MESSALONSKEE EAGLES

2001 results: 4-5, lost to Lewiston 27-7 in PTC quarterfinals

Head coach: John Hersom, 11th year

Key players: Matt Workman, QB, Sr.; Quincy Bailey, OT, Sr.; Ryan Hross, TE-LB, Sr.; Matt Pierce, WB-FL, Sr.; Isaac Hutchinson, WR, Jr.

Outlook: The Eagles need what only games can give them and that’s experience. Hersom gives Messalonskee stability and a coach who has been through the wars. He will be patient and bring the team along, but will demand their best effort.