It’s a routine midweek afternoon on Victory Field. Old Town’s varsity football team is divided into two groups, both working diligently in preparation for Friday night’s Pine Tree Conference Class B game at Mount Desert Island.

It’s been a challenging year for the Coyotes, a young squad short on veteran players that’s enduring the growing pains inherent in the quest to rebuild a once-proud program.

But while success hasn’t been reflected in victory through the first five weeks of the season, coach George “Toogie” McKay’s club has not been without success stories.

Take the passing combination of sophomore quarterback Josh Boucher and senior wide receiver Lance Getchell.

Boucher has completed 52 percent of his passes (40 of 77) for 450 yards and three touchdowns for the Coyotes.

Getchell is the leading receiver in a Pine Tree Conference Class B division loaded with high-octane offenses, having made 31 catches for 360 yards and three TDs.

“It’s mostly short patterns where I’m getting all my yards, quick passes, but I’ve had a few deep balls,” said Getchell.

Getchell, who also lines up at tight end on offense for the Coyotes, has used his height and strength to considerable advantage.

“He’s probably 5 or 6 inches taller than everyone who’s guarding him, so I throw it up and he’ll go get it,” said Boucher.

Getchell had seven catches in Old Town’s opener at Nokomis of Newport and has maintained an average of six receptions for 72 yards per outing – despite increasingly becoming the focus of defensive attention.

“The first couple of games of the year they were single-covering him,” said Boucher, “but the last couple of games they’ve had a linebacker and a cornerback out on him, so it’s a little harder.”

“It’s kind of hard going out there knowing they’re going to be double-covering you,” added Getchell. “We just try to get around that, find different routes to get open and see which ones jell and which don’t.”

Getchell’s presence has made Boucher’s first full season as the Coyotes’ starter at quarterback a bit easier.

“I’m a little more confident this year,” he said. “Last year I came in and we were 0-3, but this year I started with a fresh slate so it was a little easier.”

Both Boucher and Getchell would trade their individual statistics for a few wins, but so far success has been measured in subtler ways, like those pitch-and-catch numbers or the growth of a young line that has fostered an improved rushing attack.

“It’s fun looking in the paper and seeing your name,” said Boucher, “but I wish we were up there at the top for winning games or being in first or second place in Class B.”

Old Town has three games left this season to get back into the win column for the first time since 2005, first at MDI and then back at home against Waterville before the season finale at Hampden Academy.

Whether that elusive victory comes or not, the Coyotes will be back at it on midweek afternoons, diligently working in preparation for the next opponent.

“We have 17 or 18 guys coming out every day, trying their hardest and trying to get better,” said Getchell. “That’s all I can ask for as a captain, for guys to work as hard as they can in practice and then see the results in the game.

“We’ve been getting some results every game, even though the scores have been pretty substantial.”

Ernie Clark may be reached at 990-8045, 1-800-310-8600 or eclark@bangordailynews.net