Dragons will test Bangor MDI faces Broncos in key Class B tilt

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Week 3 of the high school football season features another test for Bangor and a big game on Mount Desert Island.

Brunswick Dragons (1-0) vs. Bangor Rams (2-0), 7 p.m. Friday, Cameron Stadium, Bangor: This game matches two strong front lines working in front of several quick backs.

Brunswick, which had a bye in Week 1, whipped Cony of Augusta 35-0 last Friday, as the Dragons scored on five of their first six possessions and had 208 rushing yards in the first half alone. Camden Miller and Demetri Rosette each scored two touchdowns, while QB Russell Thompson scored once.

Brunswick’s defense, meanwhile, limited 0-2 Cony to 41 total yards in a dominant two-way performance.

“They’ve got new uniforms, a lot of spirit, and they’re playing with a lot of excitement and confidence,” said Bangor coach Mark Hackett. “That goes a long way in high school athletics.”

Bangor won 21-6 at Brunswick last year, as Alex Gallant rushed for 219 yards on 29 carries. But Gallant now is playing wingback, with Shane Walton stepping in at tailback to rush for 276 yards and three TDs in victories over Lewiston (42-35) and Mount Ararat (48-0).

Fullback Kyle Vanidestine also has come up big, amassing 182 rushing yards, two rushing TDs and a 65-yard punt return for another score.

Bangor controlled the line play against Mount Ararat, helping the Rams rush for 342 yards while holding the Eagles to minus-29 rushing yards and 10 yards of total offense.

But Brunswick’s wing-T formation presents a different challenge.

“We’ve got to play sound defense and play our assignments,” said Hackett, “And they play high-pressure defense and try to make you make mistakes, so we need to be able to hold onto the ball and not get in situations where we’re second-and-long or third-and-long.”

Hampden Academy Broncos (1-1) vs. Mount Desert Island Trojans (2-0), 7 p.m. Friday at Bar Harbor: The winner will have a leg up on a Pine Tree Conference Class B playoff berth.

MDI is 2-0 for the second straight year, but while last year’s start was based on defense, this year’s start features balance. Coach Mark Shields’ Trojans have totaled 84 points and more than 800 yards in wins over Maranacook of Readfield and Oak Hill of Wales.

“This year we’re 2-0, but it has a different feel than last year,” said Shields. “Last year we squeaked one out against Maranacook and stole one from Oak Hill with an interception late in the fourth quarter, and this year has been different.

“But it’s such a tough conference, and everyone’s fighting for those playoff spots.”

Hampden used a 17-6 win over MDI in Week 3 last year to help secure a playoff bid, while MDI is seeking its first postseason trip since 1998.

“In my four years here, this will be the biggest game the kids have had so far,” said Shields.

Hampden bounced back from a 50-22 loss at Waterville with a solid 34-26 victory over Morse of Bath. PTC Class B player of the week Bob Seger led the way with 242 total yards, seven tackles and a pass interception.

Gardiner Tigers (2-0) vs. Brewer Witches (1-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Brewer: The young Witches seek to rebound after dropping their home opener to Waterville 40-6 last Friday.

Gardiner, which outlasted Belfast 35-34 in overtime in Week 1, used the play of junior QB Kyle Stilphen to top Maranacook of Readfield 49-18 last week. Stilphen passed for two touchdowns, rushed for a third and scored a fourth on a pass interception return. Will Phelps added three TDs against the Black Bears.

Gardiner also welcomed back Devon Brown, a top linebacker and fullback, after he sat out the opener due to injury.

Brewer rallied from a 13-0 deficit for a 22-16 victory at Gardiner last year, and given the fact the Tigers have allowed an average 26 points per game this season the Witches hope to get their offense back on track.

Senior James Butts and sophomore Dellray Meeker are Brewer’s top rushers, while QB Rick Adams will aim to get Brewer’s passing game going, with tight end Ryan Babin a favorite target.

Mattanawcook Academy Lynx (2-0) vs. Lisbon Greyhounds (2-0), 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Lisbon: Mattanawcook is the last team to defeat Lisbon, as the Lynx took a 21-0 lead and held on for a 21-14 victory in their 2005 Class C crossover game at Lincoln.

Lisbon then won its next nine games to earn the state championship.

Both are off to strong starts again this fall. Mattanawcook has yet to be tested, having blitzed Orono (48-0) and Maine Central Institute of Pittsfield (60-0) en route to its 2-0 record.

Lisbon had allowed just one touchdown in its two victories against Livermore Falls (12-7) and Dirigo of Dixfield (21-0).

Foxcroft Academy Ponies (2-0) vs. Bucksport Golden Bucks (1-1), 7 p.m. Saturday, Carmichael Field, Bucksport: Foxcroft and Bucksport renew their rivalry in a game rescheduled from Friday to Saturday after Bucksport’s Week 2 game against John Bapst of Bangor was suspended due to lightning and completed Monday night.

Foxcroft has used a balanced rushing attack and dominant defense to earn victories over Rockland (42-14) and Livermore Falls (29-0). Brad Bellamere, one of seven Pony ballcarriers last week, rushed for 110 yards and two TDs against Livermore Falls.

Bucksport is coming off a strong performance against John Bapst. Chris Maguire earned LTC Class C player of the week honors with 155 rushing yards, two rushing TDs and an interception return for a score in the 26-8 victory.