Brewer, Winslow seek crown Witches battling perennial title team

BREWER – The Brewer High football program is enjoying its best season since 1970, the last time the Witches won a state championship.

The Winslow High football program has won seven outright state titles since then, most recently back-to-back Class B crowns in 1999 and 2000.

Those programs will meet for the 2004 Eastern Maine Class B title Saturday in a 2 p.m. start at Doyle Field.

“We’re aware of the historic aspect, we want this community to be excited for our kids, and I want them to enjoy the experience,” said Brewer coach Ed Ortego. “But right now we’re focused on winning at least one more football game.

“We really haven’t had a chance to step back and see the whole impact of what the kids have done because Winslow’s coming to town and we’ve got to get ready for them.”

Brewer earned the top seed in the Pine Tree Conference Class B ranks by winning its first eight games of the regular season. The Witches (9-1) then advanced by pulling away from Leavitt of Turner Center 27-6 in last Friday’s semifinal.

Brewer’s offense is guided by versatile junior Ricky Porter, who stepped into the quarterback role during preseason and quickly grasped the Witches’ option attack. Junior Zack Wilson leads a deep contingent of running backs with 685 yards on 73 carries, while Porter (61-641, 12 TDs), seniors Matt Littlefield (61-517) and Kevin McAvoy (62-443), and junior Ben Caldwell all have played key roles.

Porter also has been an adept passer when called upon, completing 14 of 28 attempts for 258 yards.

Top tacklers for the Witches include linebackers Jake Richter, Chad Szylvian, Wilson, and Caldwell.

Coach Mike Siviski’s Winslow club (8-2) is riding a five-game winning streak, including a 20-14 victory over Brewer to end the regular season and a 49-24 semifinal conquest of No. 3 Belfast, avenging a loss to the Lions in last year’s Eastern B title game.

The Black Raiders’ offense is directed by sophomore quarterback Steven Siviski, who has completed 39 of 65 passes for 632 yards and eight touchdowns. His favorite receiving target is rangy senior Eric Lopez (21 catches, 377 yards, 5 TDs).

The Winslow ground game is paced by the brothers Lindie. Sophomore Justin Lindie leads the club with 636 yards and 12 TDs on 91 carries. Ryan Lindie, a senior, has 464 yards and nine touchdowns. Junior Jared Maroon and sophomore John Goulette add to Winslow’s backfield depth.

The Black Raiders’ defense features linebacker Brandon Bellows, defensive end Mike Bombardi, and tackle Andy Poulin, as well as Lopez and Siviski in the secondary.

“They’re the quickest defense in the league that we’ve faced,” said Ortego, “and on offense they’re a lot like us because they can hit you from a lot of different angles, and if you make a mistake they’ll make you pay.

“Both teams have to execute very well to keep the big plays from happening, and that’s what we’re focusing on, playing real solid.”

Winslow capitalized on three turnovers and six penalties by Brewer to overcome a 201-yard rushing effort by the Witches in their Week 9 regular-season meeting.

Brewer knows it must minimize its mistakes if it wants to be more successful in the rematch.

“We always feel you have to play better the further you go on in the playoff system,” Ortego said. “If you don’t play better, you’re going to be left behind.”