Game Film
Dover-Foxcroft, ME– The Orono Red Riots were averaging 46.5 points per game. That was before they faced the Foxcroft Ponies defense.
The Red Riots were limited to 129 yards in a 42-0 Ponies victory on Friday evening.
“The (Foxcroft) defense is unbelievable. They shut us down defensively,” Orono coach Bob Sinclair said. “Hats off to them. They showed tonight that they are the best team in the league. Everyone is chasing them, including us.”
Alex Stevens finished with 16 tackles for the Ponies. Foxcroft had eight players that recorded at least seven tackles.
The Red Riots best drive came on their second series of the game. They started with the ball on their own two after a Foxcroft fumble.
Orono had the ball for 16 plays and seven minutes but could not get the ball closer than the Foxcroft 45 yard line. The Ponies had a sack that ended the Red Riots drive.
“We knew there were going to be some times that they would break a big play,” Stevens said. “We knew we had to stick to our keys and trust them. Our team responding really well today.”
The first score of the game came when Donnie Boyer ran into the end zone from three yards out with 7:11 remaining in the second quarter. Boyer also converted the two point conversion.
The Ponies finished with 454 total yards offense. Boyer had 217 total yards including 160 yards rushing.
“One of the best team performances, I have been part of,” Foxcroft coach Danny White said. “These kids just worked so hard for this moment and responded in a big way. I am very proud of them.”
Hunter Law threw for 206 yards on 8-11 passing. He connected with Ryan Rebar on two touchdown passes. Law and Rebar have connected on seven touchdown passes this season.
Rebar finished with 149 yards on five receptions. Boyer averaged close to six yards per carry. That helped open things up for the passing game.
“He (Boyer) opens up the game when he gets the ball,” Rebar said. “Sets up the play action for me and gets me open.”
The Ponies finished with 257 total yards rushing and three touchdowns. Stevens had 57 yards and one touchdown. Boyer had two touchdowns.
“We switched our offense around a lot this week to try and take advantage of their (Orono) weaknesses. They (Orono) are a great team, “Boyer said. “Our line did great. That is what made the game. Louis LaFache and Alex Sedore did a great job.”
The Ponies starting defense have not allowed any points through five games this season.
“It is phenomenal. We work hard every practice. We have the mentality that every game is the state championship. We practice hard, we play hard. It transfers out to the game field,” Foxcroft senior Louis LaFache said. “The focus we have is family. Every week we are out there for each other. . It comes from the heart.”
Foxcroft traveled to Orono for the Red Riots homecoming game during the 2011 season. The Red Riots defeated the Ponies in a big way. The Ponies did not forget and were happy to have the Red Riots as their opponent for 2012 homecoming at Foxcroft Academy.
“There is a reason why they are the homecoming football game,” Boyer said. “We had a chip on our shoulder from last year. We had a huge loss last year at Orono. We had some revenge to take care of tonight.”
“Stevens added, “It is not something you just forget if you have your heart in your program. Not just for the people who played against them last year but for some of the people on the sidelines that had to watch that last year.”
The Ponies have outscored opponents 282-8 through the first five games of the season. This is the second week in a row that they have defeated a team that was previously undefeated.
“They worked harder this week. They took it to another level. They understood that this is a big time match-up, “White said. “Expectations are going to keep growing. With expectation comes a great deal of responsibility.”
Rebar added, “We have all the confidence in the world. Coach believes in us and we believe in ourselves. That is big.”
Corey Bjornson scored a defensive touchdown for the Ponies. He picked up the ball after Kolby Kendall made a big hit that caused a fumble.
Foxcroft (5-0) will next play on Saturday, October 6th when they travel to Cameron stadium in Bangor to take on the undefeated John Bapst Crusaders. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Norton Revell had 53 yards on 13 carries for the Ponies. Orono (4-1) will next play on Friday, October 5th when they host Ellsworth. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
