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By TOM CHARD, Staff Writer Thursday, November 5, 2009

When football practice began in August, Cheverus Coach John Wolfgram liked what he had returning at the skill positions and believed that if the line developed, the Stags would have a good season.

He was right. Cheverus is playing in Saturday´s Western Class A semifinals. The No. 4 Stags (7-2) face No. 1 Thornton Academy (9-0) at 1 p.m. in Saco.

With the Western Class B playoffs getting under way tonight, playoffs are in full swing throughout the state.

Back when the weather was warm, Wolfgram acknowledged that his team didn´t have a lot of depth. For the most part, the Stags have avoided injuries. Running back/defensive end Matt Place has battled an injury all season, but played on defense last week in a 21-0 quarterfinal win over Biddeford.

"We have a nice group of players who have grown as the season has progressed," said Wolfgram. "We have a group of seniors who have come up through the program. They like to compete along with the other guys.

"Thornton Academy proved to be the best team in the regular season because they came out with the best record. We feel we´ll be competitive and we´re excited about the opportunity to play them."

Junior quarterback Peter Gwilym has done a nice job running the offense and has also been a valuable defensive back. With Place unable to play at running back for most of the season, Wolfgram said it´s been a "backfield by committee."

Matt Ball, Evan Jendrasko, Liam Hobbins and Spencer Cooke have all chipped in to lead the running game. Pat Chadbourne has been a top receiver, and Wolfgram noted that tight end Jack Bushey has come up with some big catches.

The line that Wolfgram wondered about back in August? Well, it has stepped up to have a strong season. The Stags are a group that likes to play physical football.

"That´s why you wear helmets and shoulder pads," said Wolfgram.

In the other Western Class A semifinal, No. 2 Windham (8-1) hosts No. 3 Bonny Eagle (7-2). Bonny Eagle rallied to beat Portland last week, while Windham rolled over Sanford. Windham won the regular- season meeting, 14-0

WESTERN CLASS B opens its playoffs tonight, with No. 3 Mountain Valley at No. 2 York. On Saturday, top-ranked Cape Elizabeth (9-0) hosts No. 4 Wells (6-3).

Based on the regular season, the Capers are favored to make it to the Class B state championship game on Nov. 21.

York has certainly improved since losing 41-12 to Cape in Week 2. But have the Wildcats improved enough to give Cape a battle in the regional final, should they meet? It would be a surprise if they didn´t.

FALMOUTH SOPHOMORE wide receiver Jack Cooleen had an outstanding season in only his third year of football. The 6-foot-4 Cooleen proved a great target for quarterback Zack Alexander, who also stood out in his first varsity season. Cooleen had 30 catches for seven touchdowns and 700 yards.

"Jack is the second fastest player on the team," said Coach John Fitzsimmons. "He has exceptional hands and an ability to concentrate while going up for the ball. He´s going to be fun to watch over the next two seasons."

For Cooleen, the future looks bright, both in football and basketball, where he made the varsity as a freshman. Cooleen has the frame to add to his 185 pounds and could be a strong college prospect with two more years of varsity experience.

In one of his top games, Cooleen had six catches for 192 yards and two TDs against Wells on Oct. 2. The Yachtsmen (5-4) lost 26-20, which cost them a shot at the playoffs.

"Along with Jack, I was really pleased with the development of Zack Alexander at quarterback," said Fitzsimmons. "When the two of them meshed, they really took off."

The Yachtsmen have had their first back-to-back winning seasons since joining the Campbell Conference. Next season looks promising, as the team returns all its skill players, including running back Caleb Bowden, and its line.

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be contacted at 791-6419 or at:
tchard@pressherald.com

PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jake Alexander, Portland: Alexander scored all the Bulldogs´ points in a 25-19 loss to Bonny Eagle in a Western Class A quarterfinal. Alexander, a wide receiver, scored on a 59-yard run and caught touchdown passes of 31 and 23 yards.

HONORABLE MENTION
Finn Melanson, Cape Elizabeth: Melanson caught three touchdown passes to spark the Capers to a 34-0 win over Mountain Valley.
Brad Stephens, York: Picking up the slack for the injured Jared Prugar, Stephens, a tailback, scored two touchdowns and finished with 158 yards on 27 carries as the Wildcats rallied for a 28-22 win over Wells.
Mike Walton, Morse: Walton passed for two touchdowns and rushed for two more to lead the Shipbuilders to a 35-13 win over Mt. Desert Island in and Eastern Class B quarterfinal.