John Holyoke nabs first Forecast title

It took an extra week, but outdoor writer John Holyoke finally emerged from the 41st NEWS Football Forecast as the staff champion, earning his first staff title.

Holyoke edged assistant sports editor Pete Warner in a five-game tiebreaker last week, correctly picking victories by Lawrence of Fairfield over Bangor and the University of Massachusetts over UMaine.

Warner had Winslow’s win over Gardiner, while both successfully picked the other two winners. Holyoke and Warner ended the 10-week season with 156-44 records, a 78 percent success rate.

Ben Mitchell of Brewer claimed the guest championship competing against an outstanding field, posting an 18-2 mark during Week 7.

Ernie Clark, the winner of the previous three staff titles, wound up third at 153-47 (.765). Jim Goodness finished strong to wind up fourth at 151-49 (.755) and Dave Barber (149-51, .745) was fifth. Joe McLaughlin (148-52, .740), Andrew Neff (148-52, .740), Larry Mahoney (147-53, .735), and Jessica Bloch (144-56, .720) rounded out the field.

Guests Jeff Solari of Veazie, Tim Baude of Winterport, Dave Simpson of Eddington, and Josh Withee of Dover-Foxcroft all turned in superb 17-3 efforts.

Mike LaChance of Brewer (14-6), Chelsea Bouchard of Levant (14-6), Meghann Burnett of Carmel (13-7), Butch Babin of Bangor (12-8), and Stuart Wyckoff of Presque Isle (12-8) were the other guest prognosticators.