Croix Albee
Croix Albee
MDI senior, RB
Albee missed MDI’s playoff run because of an injury but will team with Colby Lee and QB Andrew Phelps to form a top backfield for the defending Class C North champs. Befitting the hard-working community, Albee is a bit of a throwback, appreciating classic rock, a juicy steak and working as a stern man on a lobster boat. When it comes to game-day superstitions, “I have too many to list.”
Jack Bryant
Jack Bryant
Falmouth senior, QB
Bryant enjoys a good laugh, based on his viewing favorites (“The Office” and the movie “Wedding Crashers”). He often gets the last laugh on the field, throwing for 2,873 yards in two seasons as Falmouth’s starter. Bryant has plenty of threats available as receiving targets, so Falmouth could improve on its 29 points-per-game average and is expected to contend in Class B South.
Chase Carmichael
Chase Carmichael
Bucksport senior, QB
Carmichael completed more than 60 percent of his passes as a junior – topping 1,300 yards with 13 TDs – which is one reason why the Bucks are a co-favorite with Foxcroft Academy in Class D North. Carmichael has old-school tastes (classic rock, the TV comedy “Friends,” ) and deep Bucksport roots. His father, Robert, was a Bucksport QB in the 1970s. Bucksport’s field is named for his grandfather, Bob Carmichael.
Charles Egeland
Charles Egeland
Portland senior, OT/DT
At 6-foot-3, 285 pounds, “Eggy,” as his teammates call him, has become the leader of Portland’s veteran lines on both sides of the ball and hopes to play in college. He’ll continue to draw inspiration from the movie “Rudy” while sticking with the same socks and undershirt all season long.
Ryan Fredette
Ryan Fredette
Winslow senior, DE/RB
The two-time all-conference defensive end is ready to step into an even bigger role as Winslow’s feature back. It’s not surprising that the three-time state wrestling champion and New England runner-up says his favorite job was throwing bales of hay at a farm. He’s also a gummy bear-eating, hip-hop fan who appreciates the humor and retro jams in “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
Owen Garrard
Owen Garrard
Scarborough senior, RB/LB
The 6-foot-1, 225-pound senior proved last year he can run over or around defenders (1,056 yards, 18 TDs) and drop opposing backs on defense (75 tackles, eight for loss). Maybe his preferred food – buffalo wings – gets him fired up. One thing is sure: The future criminal justice major is a key reason why the Red Storm are legitimate Class A title contenders.
Cameron Houde
Cameron Houde
Thornton Academy senior, LB/RB
A returning all-SMAA linebacker, Houde led Thornton in tackles as a junior, so he’ll stick with his pregame meal of oatmeal. After the game is when he can enjoy a steak and wind down with some country music. He’s also Thornton’s top running option in short-yardage situations.
Jacob Littlefield
Jacob Littlefield
Kennebunk senior, RB
In Littlefield’s favorite movie, “Remember the Titans,” Coach Herman Boone asks, “You think football is fun?” For Littlefield and the Rams, it’s lots of fun. Littlefield used his sprinter’s speed and a strong, rangy build to rush for over 1,000 yards as Kennebunk won the Class B South title. The Rams return nine starters on both sides of the ball and are the consensus top pick in their region.
Aidan Parmenter
Aidan Parmenter
Leavitt senior, DT/OT
Left tackle is a fitting spot for Parmenter. He has size (6-foot-4, 270 pounds) and protection instincts honed as a lifeguard at Monmouth Beach. The three-year, two-way starter is a two-year captain. Coming off a back injury that shortened his junior season, he’ll have his younger brother, Riley, lining up next to him at left guard.
Austin Pelletier
Austin Pelletier
Messalonskee senior, RB
Many coaches think Messalonskee can unseat Brunswick in Class B North, and Pelletier, a tough fullback, is a big reason why. Also an accomplished wrestler, Pelletier hopes to improve on his 1,370-yard, 24-TD junior season, which might be cause for celebration in Oakland with Pelletier’s favorites – pizza and music by the rapper Logic.
Arlo Pike
Arlo Pike
Bonny Eagle senior, TE/DL
A preseason ankle injury limited Pike last regular season, but the athletic, 6-foot-4, 245-pounder was a second-team SMAA pick at tight end and a key contributor in the Scots’ run to the Class A title. A fan of hip-hop and rap music, Pike is drawing interest from FCS college programs as a defensive lineman.
Jordan Roddy
Jordan Roddy
Cony senior, WR
Roddy’s one pregame superstition is to walk behind his teammates as Cony takes the field. Once the game starts, he routinely gets behind the defense. The only returner from the 2016 Maine Sunday Telegram All-State team, Roddy caught 68 passes for 1,074 yards and 17 touchdowns. “Forrest Gump,” is a favorite for a player who is intent on playing football at a top academic university.
— Steve Craig
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