KENNEBUNK — The Kennebunk High School football team brings back plenty of firepower on the offensive side of the ball, but as the old saying goes “defense wins championships.”
The Rams are hoping to prove that they have what it takes on defensive side of the ball to bring home the Gold Ball for the first time since 1991.
“That is our goal. We definitely see ourselves in the picture,” said Kennebunk coach Joe Rafferty on competing for a state title.
Rafferty’s defense will rely on linebackers Dante DeLorenzo and Chase Lamontagne and defensive tackle Brede Gibson to lead the way in 2018.
“We’re looking pretty good. We have some new starters this year, but they are picking it up pretty quickly,” said Lamontagne, who is a senior.
Rafferty praised Lamontagne’s athleticism and overall football smarts.
“He’s got good speed and the thing with him is he’s got good recognition. He understands it really well,” said Rafferty, who is entering his 40th season as head coach. “He’s a senior and he’s been a kid that’s been a football guy right from the get-go. He’s football, football, football and he’s thinking about the next level, so he’s preparing himself.”
DeLorenzo will be one of the playcallers for the Kennebunk defense — a role that he has grown into over the last few years.
“I kind of got used to it (the last couple years). I’m very comfortable with it this year now,” said DeLorenzo. “Last year it could have been a little nerve-wracking making sure you call everything right, but the coaches call the main plays and if I have to check out of something I will.”
Rafferty believes DeLorenzo has earned the respect of everyone around the program and throughout Maine football — both through his play on the field and the way he carries himself off of it.
“Dante is just one of those kids that’s consistent. He might be one of the most respected kids by his peers and certainly by coaches and teachers. All I ever hear people talking about Dante is they just praise him as a person, never mind football, just him as a person,” Rafferty said.
The longtime coach would love to have 22 players on the team just like DeLorenzo.
“Football-wise he’s very intense. He’s going to get after it. He doesn’t take plays off. He’s hustling all the time and if we need him to play every down, he’ll play every down and be happy to do it. He doesn’t really want to come off (the field),” said Rafferty.
DeLorenzo wants to see the Rams play a more hard-nosed style on the defensive side than they have in the past.
“Last year we played a little soft sometimes, so this year we’ll play a little more — not dirty — but a little more mean and want it a little more,” said DeLorenzo.
The key to the Rams’ defensive front may be Gibson, who despite his smaller stature has the ability to disrupt an opposing offense at the snap.
“I’m not sure you’ll see too many guys quicker than him off the ball. He gets a great first step and he finishes it. He’s another kid who really has a motor and he just gets after it. Last year, I was really impressed with how he developed as an interior tackle,” said Rafferty on Gibson.
Gibson enjoys his role as a defensive tackle.
“I just like being in all of the action. I feel too out of place farther back, so even at my size I like being up front,” Gibson said.
The Kennebunk defensive tackle is happy to have players like DeLorenzo and Lamontagne to not only provide insurance behind the D-line, but also plenty of leadership on and off the field.
“If we didn’t have those two, we’d have a lot of trouble with our entire team because they really bring the team together,” said Gibson.
The Rams know they will have to step up to plenty of challenges this year when it comes to facing offenses from Biddeford, Falmouth and Marshwood.
“Kids like (Biddeford QB Carter Edgerton) and then Marshwood always has a pretty good team, Falmouth has some crazy athletes over there … watching film is huge. Coaches do a great job with scouting and we’ve just got to focus during the week,” said DeLorenzo.
If the Rams can put together a solid defense along with their explosive offense — led by DeLorenzo at fullback, running back Derek Smith, quarterback Tripp Bush and wide receivers Zack Sullivan — they could be in the hunt for a Gold Ball.
“Having a fun year is very important, but I did set the goal first practice to win a state championship,” said DeLorenzo.
— Sports Editor Pat McDonald can be reached at pmcdonald@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 322. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.

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