The highly anticipated matchup between Yarmouth High and Mt. Ararat is set for October 6, 2023, as both teams vie for a spot in the Large School South semifinal of Maine’s eight-man football playoffs. With both teams boasting impressive records of 7-1, this game promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Yarmouth is aiming to replicate its success from the previous season when it captured the state championship, while Mt. Ararat seeks a different outcome than its last playoff meeting in 2019, when it claimed the inaugural eight-man title in Maine. The game kicks off at 19:00 local time at Mt. Ararat’s home ground in Topsham, where the stakes are high for both sides.
The two teams have a history of intense competition, having met in the playoffs three times since the inception of eight-man football in Maine. Their most recent meeting was earlier this season, where Mt. Ararat triumphed with a decisive 44-20 victory, thanks in large part to the pressure applied by their defensive line on Yarmouth quarterback Iggy McGrath.
Strategies for Victory
For Yarmouth to secure a win, protecting McGrath will be crucial. The young quarterback has had an impressive season, throwing for 36 touchdowns against just two interceptions. The Clippers’ offensive line, which includes senior guard Brayden Kloza, must perform at its best to give McGrath the time he needs to operate effectively.
Yarmouth’s offense has been formidable, averaging 51.4 points per game in their victories. In addition to McGrath, key offensive contributors include wide receivers Adam Pelotte and Jackson Jabar. The Clippers’ defense has improved significantly, allowing an average of 16.8 points per game in recent weeks, led by linebackers Liam Henning and Harper Ericson.
On the other side, Mt. Ararat’s strategy will revolve around dominating the line of scrimmage. The Eagles’ defensive unit has been exceptional, allowing only 104 points this season, which translates to an average of just 13 points per game. Senior lineman Adrian Reyes and his teammates must maintain this level of performance to limit Yarmouth’s scoring opportunities.
Coach Frank True emphasizes the importance of minimizing mistakes. He noted that the team must focus on their own execution to achieve success, especially regarding penalties and assignments. Offensively, quarterback Will Davis has had limited passing opportunities due to the strong running game, with multiple backs contributing over 400 yards each.
Key Players to Watch
Yarmouth’s impact players include:
– Junior QB Iggy McGrath (144 completions, 2,439 yards, 36 TDs)
– Senior WR Adam Pelotte (43 catches, 754 yards, 17 TDs)
– Junior WR Jackson Jabar (48 catches, 839 yards, 9 TDs; 27 carries, 288 yards, 3 TDs)
– Junior RB Raph McGuffie (477 yards, 5 TDs)
For Mt. Ararat, key players consist of:
– Senior RB/DE Nick Doughty (1,249 yards)
– Senior slot/DB Aidan Ramsay (35 carries, 420 yards; 11 interceptions)
– Senior RB/LB Avery O’Connor (702 yards)
– Junior RB/LB Josh Merriman (602 yards)
Reflecting on their previous encounters, Coach Nick Orsi of Yarmouth highlighted the importance of capitalizing on opportunities, stating, “If we make a couple of those plays and get off the field, it will make all the difference.” Meanwhile, Coach True pointed out the strengths of Yarmouth’s offensive strategy, noting, “They sling it around and do a lot of good things with it.”
With both teams bringing their best to the field, this semifinal is poised to deliver an exciting clash of skill, strategy, and determination. Fans can expect a competitive showdown as Yarmouth and Mt. Ararat battle for a chance at the championship title.
