ROCKPORT — The Camden Hills football squad used a punishing ground game lead by senior Ethan Cayouette to overwhelm the Traip Academy by a final score of 30-8. The “Friday Night Lights” game was part of the school’s homecoming weekend.

The Windjammers with the victory improved to 4-1 and are in the thick of the Class E playoff scenario.

On a cool, humid night that kept the ball slick throughout the contest, the home team was having their way at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Three lost fumbles in the first half kept a 24-0 halftime lead from being even more one-sided.

Camden Hills head football coach Jeremy Marks gave credit to the Traip defense with their ability to take advantage of the conditions and work to create turnovers.

“We played a very sloppy [first] quarter,” said Marks. “The wet ground and Traip's ability to create turnovers really limited our ability to get off to the start we had planned for.”

Offensive Coordinator Josh Brady's plan to utilize the power running game was evident from the opening drive and has become the calling card of the Camden Hills offense. Cayouette had one of those fumbles but that did not offset a career night of 22 carries for 243 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Sam Hebert provided ample support with 13 carries, 71 yards and a touchdown of his own followed by senior quarterback Spencer Johndro with 10 carries for 46 yards, a touchdown and two 2-point conversions. Junior fullback Brady Hedstrom contributed a touchdown. 

“Our offensive line has played well this year. We are far from perfect and a lot of improvement needs to happen with regard to our line play,” said Marks. “All of that being said the boys have done a good job of setting the table.”

Defensively, the Windjammers were challenged for the first time this season by the Traip passing attack which converted 10 of 32 passes for 128 yards and a late touchdown pass. This provided a new tactical challenge for a defense that continues to hold rushers to just over two yards per carry.

Now the team faces a critical three week gauntlet by traveling to Old Orchard Beach on Saturday, Oct. 6, followed by a Friday night visit to Boothbay on Oct. 12 and the home finale vs. Class C Medomak Valley on Oct. 20.

The team's goal of reaching the playoffs a second consecutive year is well placed at this point, but there are higher aspirations.

“With Homecoming now in our rear view mirror our focus has completely shifted to closing out our season and a deep playoff run,” Marks stated. “I know the boys are up the challenge.”

Reach the sports department at: sports@penbaypilot.com.