Game tied 7-7 early on, but more experienced, host Belfast pulls away for win
BELFAST — The Belfast and Mount View football teams squared off on the gridiron in 7-on-7 action on Friday night, Oct. 9, which saw the more experienced Lions emerge with a 44-7 under-the-lights victory over the undermanned Mustangs at Dennis “Bear” Bryant Field.
The Lions improved to 2-1 on the young season, while the Mustangs, playing their first 7-on-7 game, dropped to 0-1.
Keegan McGowan threw for six touchdown passes on the day, one each to Kadin Bonin (45 yards), Cole Martin (70 yards), Drew Abelon (60 yards), Chris Kelley (15 yards), Tanner Veilleux (65 yards) and Steven Friel (45 yards).
Zepherin Leppanen also booted five extra points and converted a 31-yard field goal.
Rayon Kirby scored the lone touchdown for the Mustangs, while Wyatt Evensen booted the extra point.
Belfast held a 27-7 halftime edge.
Friday also was senior recognition night for Belfast. Lion coach Brian Goff said: "I was happy for all the seniors that suited up and played."
“We did a lot of good things,” he said. “We dressed 23 players and they all saw reps and saw some good things, so we’ve got a lot to build on for sure.”
The Lions got on the board first with a touchdown pass to Bonin, but Mount View responded when Sam Valleau fired a touchdown pass to Kirby — followed by an Evensen extra point — to tie the score.
Belfast got touchdown receptions from Martin, Abelon and Kelley to take a 27-7 lead at halftime, while the Lion defense racked up four interceptions by Matt LeBlanc, Quinten Roberts, McGowan and Connor Fournier — as the hosts pulled away with the win.
Mount View had only 11 players dress for the game and “hardly any skill players” as many opted not to come out for the team after the Maine Principals’ Association announced only 7-on-7 football would be permitted for the fall season due to COVID-19 safety concerns.
“We ran out of gas [in the second half],” said Leary. “Sammy threw a couple interceptions. He’s never played QB before, but he’s got a strong arm and threw the ball well. We dropped a lot of passes, but the kids played hard.”
“Tip of the hat to coach Leary,” Goff said. “They came down here undermanned, low in numbers and they gave it 110 percent the whole time and did it with great sportsmanship and effort. If you’re a Mount View Mustang fan, you have a lot of to proud of.”
Mike Cole also got an interception in the loss for Mount View.