Two hundred fifty-five days ago, Boothbay won the first Class E football championship. In eight days, the Seahawks begin their quest for a second straight league title. Boothbay coach Ed Crocker has 20 players participating in training camp this month and hopes to have as many as 26 Seahawks suited up for the first game Aug. 31 in Freeport. 

Not much went wrong for Boothbay, winning the six-team league championship. The Seahawks won all eight regular season and two post-season games. The defense allowed a paltry 99 points. And Crocker capped the season by being named Coach of the Year. It seems the only challenge facing Boothbay entering year two of Class E football is losing five key seniors.

But the 2018 Seahawk defense has eight returning starters intent on putting up zeroes or “donuts,” as defensive coordinator Smith Climo called preventing scores each quarter. Junior linebacker Nicholas Morley reported everything is in place for the defense to post another stellar season.

“Our defense has some really skilled players. We’re down one in the secondary and two on the D-line,” he said. “I like the way Coach Climo runs the defense and he says if you don’t allow points, you can’t lose.”

If opposing offenses evade Boothbay’s defensive line and linebackers, Crocker believes those runs will end once they meet the Seahawks’ defensive backfield. “I believe Hunter Crocker, George Swope and Michael Hallowell are the hardest hitters in the league. They may weigh about 140 (pounds), but they hit like they’re 190,” he said.

Another challenge facing Boothbay is its schedule. The Seahawks played only Class E schools last season, but this season the Seahawks take a step or two up in competition. Boothbay plays two Class C schools: Belfast and John Bapst. Class E also includes another a former Class C school. Freeport has a small and inexperienced varsity roster like other Class E schools who began playing in the developmental league last year.

Despite winning the championship, Morley believes this year the Seahawks have a lot to prove. “We want to show 10-0 was no fluke and we’re still the team to beat,” he said. “John Bapst didn’t win a game last year, but Belfast is the real deal. They won three. I’m glad the game is here because playing in Belfast is always tough.”

On offense, the Seahawks appear ahead of last year’s team during pre-season workouts. Last year’s championship squad scored 386 points. The Seahawk offense line has abundant skill and experience. Returning starting linemen include the two Alexes, seniors Hibbard and Bryer, at tackle. Junior Dwight Lucas returns at center and is another lineman who is a big pile pusher for the running game.

Boothbay is looking to fill both guard positions. Sophomore Gareth Hodgdon is one of the underclassmen seeking a starting position.  Crocker called him a “big, strong kid with potential to improve.” Hodgdon played one year of youth football in third grade and didn’t play again until last season. 

Hodgdon returned to the gridiron because people told him he had the “right build” for football. “I’m looking forward to doing better this year and playing more. I’m really enjoying it, and I will probably see a lot of time at guard and tackle,” he said.

Crocker has five freshmen in camp this fall. Two may seek significant time. Ashton McClellan played quarterback in past years. He is also the only player to participate in every practice or workout this year.

“He has a lot of talent and it shows in his throws and footwork, but he may not see any action at quarterback this year,” Crocker said. “It’s probably on defense where we’re looking at him playing 3-4 different positions.”

Freshman Nace Lawless is also a possible starting offensive lineman. He has size and talent, but lacks experience at varsity level. In seeking a new offensive lineman, Crocker has a simple message.“We want someone to hit hard and listen to coaches.”

But Boothbay’s biggest challenge this season may be finding someone to play quarterback. Last year, Jay Hasch triggered the team’s passing game. But the 2018 season begins with no heir apparent. Crocker is looking at  Morley, Hunter Crocker, George Swope and newcomer Steve Reny, a senior playing his first varsity football season.