Now that the regular schoolboy football season has ended and the playoffs are in full swing the focus of attention is naturally directed at the games and teams involved, and rightly so. However, I think it only fair that a group of young men not participating in postseason play be duly recognized for effort and attitude. The team I refer to is the Brewer Witches.

It would be easy for anyone with a pen or a microphone to suggest that the Witches be pitied or brushed aside where Pine Tree Conference football is concerned. That their season was a failure. However, what most of the media had an opportunity to recognize, yet ignored, were the stellar efforts of a team decimated by ineligible players and injuries, dealing with the toughest league play that they have had in quite some time. What the media also would have noticed had they made the effort was this outnumbered squad conducting themselves in a manner that should be emulated by all teams in Eastern Maine. There was as much enthusiasm, optimism and drive on the last play of the season as there was on the first, the score or record notwithstanding.

I cannot possibly speak for all fans, students, citizens or parents but I cannot convey with words the sense of pride I experienced each and every time I watched the Witches take or leave the field even if on the wrong end of a final score. There will definitely be some that may consider this football season to be a big bust for the Witches, but those same persons must also recognize the lesser eligibility requirements of some of Brewer’s more successful opponents, as well as programs that are much more mature. Brewer took the big step in a jump to Class A football. But these 30 or so players, many of whom were underclassmen without the benefit of a JV team to gain needed experience, never looked back and never made excuses. If we look for areas to work on, let the student-athletes who couldn’t manage to stay eligible take some responsibility for themselves and for their team. Recognize the role that each student plays in the success of the program. For the most part the BDN chose to ignore the spirit of this small team up against long odds, when a little bit of attention could have gone a long way toward reinforcing their efforts. The BDN needs to recognize that all teams are worth their time and print.

All these opinions aside, it just bears saying that from what was seen on the field each week that the members of the Brewer football team were a credit to their parents, coaches, student body and the citizens of Brewer. I will predict that in the not too distant future the Witches will have one of the more formidable football programs in Eastern Maine. Success will be borne from the dedication of Don Farnham and his staff and on the backs of this 1997 team that willingly took the first unenviable step to Class A despite the odds and their depleted numbers. The players, coaches and citizens who enjoy the future successes should always keep the efforts of this team in the back of their minds as the foundation of a program that needed a solid effort upon which to build. Be proud boys, not too many other teams in any sport have been forced to deal with the adversities and play against the odds as you have done. Additionally, no other group of individuals has ever represented themselves more admirably. You should all be as proud as your fans and parents are.