Biddeford quarterback Marc Reali hands off to halfback Alex McAlevey during a high school football game at
Waterhouse Field on Friday. Biddeford defeated Westbrook/Waynflete 69-18. (MAUREEN GRANDMAISON PHOTOGRAPHY)
BIDDEFORD – You wouldn’t have thought Biddeford High quarterback Marc Reali was nursing any type of sickness during the Tigers’ football game against Westbrook/Waynflete.
The senior dashed around Westbrook defenders, found open receivers and even made his presence felt defensively. But it was a different story for him on the sidelines.
“The whole game, to be honest, I didn’t really feel well,” Reali said. “I threw up a couple times, had a couple leg cramps. I’ve been sick all week so I just tried to fight through it.”
The senior quarterback fought through the pain to combine for four touchdowns. He also added an interception on the defensive side, and Biddeford used a big second half to roll past Westbrook/Waynflete 69-18 in a Class B South duel Friday at Waterhouse Field.
Reali finished with 133 yards of total offense, threw for two touchdowns and also ran for a pair, as the Tigers (3-0) kept Westbrook off the scoreboard in the second half and scored 34 points on their own in the second and third quarters.
Westbrook (0-3) stayed competitive with Biddeford much of the first half and got to within 14-12 early in the second quarter after converting a 4th-and-11 when Carter Dow found Jared Johnson in the endzone. But the Tigers scored two unanswered touchdowns on runs by Reali to extend their lead to 28-12, and Biddeford never looked back.
The Tigers entered halftime ahead 35-18 after Reali picked off a Dow pass intended for Johnson in the endzone as the quarter wound down. The senior was more than happy to give the defense momentum heading into the break.
“It’s nice being able to contribute and give back,” Reali said. “They’re working so hard on defense, so to be able to go in there and help them out, it feels so good.”
A horde of Biddeford defenders tackles a Westbrook/Waynflete ballcarrier during the Tigers’ 69-18 win Friday. (MAUREEN GRANDMAISON PHOTOGRAPHY)
The offense clicked in the second half, too.
Reali connected with Scott Kelly for a touchdown, and Kurtis Edgerton rushed for a 22-yard score to give Biddeford a 49-16 lead midway through the third. Kelly was able to move the ball at will at times, and he credited the connection that’s been built over time with his teammates.
“We’ve been together ever since he was born, really,” said Kelly, who rushed for 74 yards on his way to 107 yards of total offense. “It’s just awesome playing together, getting the win and starting the season off strong.”
It’s been an ideal start to the season for Biddeford. After a close opening their season with a close win against Massabesic, the Tigers have outscored their opponents 97-24 in the last two games. Even though the defense played much better in the second half, head coach Brian Curit said there were things we saw in the first that need improving.
“It came down to just playing assignment football,” Curit said. “In the first half, we did a very poor job. I thought we didn’t play physical, but (Westbrook) has got some talent … But all-in-all, I’m proud of the kids for shutting them out in the second half.”
As for Reali, Curit thinks the sky is the limit for his senior. But he was quick to point out the overall team effort.
“(Reali’s) a great football player,” Curit said. “He’s got the potential to be a great player, there’s no doubt about that. We’re all a work in progress, and I think our (defensive) line has really come a long way.”
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