Visiting Belfast leaves town with 24-0 win in 7-versus-7 play at Wasgatt Field
ROCKLAND — The much-needed rain began to fall about game time, which, ultimately, made for slick footballs and difficulty throwing and catching. However, that did not stop Oceanside and Belfast student-athletes from their appointed fun during another, much different installment of Friday night lights.
In the end, the visiting Lions enjoyed a bit more fun than the Mariners en route to a 24-0 victory at damp Wasgatt Field.
It was Belfast's second 7-versus-7 game of the fall, while Oceanside took the field for the first time for official play.
On Friday night, the rain fell hard at times, but there were pockets of air dryness. Despite playing under tough weather conditions and a variety of safety protocols — as well as an entirely different format — due to the pandemic, the young athletes appeared happy to be back on the field.
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The scene was a bit weird, however, from traditional football. There were no pads and only game shirts, shorts and, often, face coverings, worn by the players. And there were no spectators, as fans of the teams watched from outside the field in their cars or sitting on or standing beside them.
The handful of parents allowed into the game were honored by their Mariner senior student-athletes in a pregame ceremony.
The typical electric atmosphere of a a high school football game with hundreds of spectators and hard-hitting action was not there and the overall scene was a bit subdued, but still a fun, competitive, athletic activity for the teenagers.
Ultimately, this was not your grandfather's, father's or even brother's football.
It is different. Much different. Many players got to play quarterback and even went out on pass routes to catch balls. The skill players came in all sizes, meaning, the larger stature players did not get relegated to line play because there was no blocking.
Once in a while there was a run play, but passing was the name of the game. And all players got involved. The 7-on-7 game is more inclusive instead of exclusive for those able to catch and throw passes — or enjoy playing the "skill" positions.
When the game started the opponents had a bit of trouble making connections, as the tough, wet conditions was not as conducive to passing the ball, which is what the majority of the 7-on-7 touch/flag football is about.
Belfast took a 6-0 lead into halftime and extended that over the course of the second half.
The Lions had played the week prior, losing at home to visiting Bucksport 13-12.