South Portland Tops Deering 16-7 in Thrilling Football Showdown
UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish, South Portland surged past Deering with a 16-7 victory in a pivotal Class A football showdown on July 14, 2023, in South Portland. The game unfolded into a tense battle, highlighted by late-game heroics that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
With the score tied at 2-2, Darius Johnson ignited the momentum for South Portland, scoring a crucial go-ahead touchdown on a 5-yard run late in the third quarter. Shea Healy followed up with a stunning 19-yard touchdown pass to Alex Horton, extending the lead and ultimately sealing the game for South Portland, now at a record of 3-3 this season.
The first half was marked by a defensive struggle, with South Portland capitalizing on a mishap by Deering—a bad snap that led to a safety. Deering briefly took the lead in the third quarter thanks to a powerful 43-yard run by David Roth, bringing the score to 7-2.
However, Johnson’s touchdown shift the game’s momentum back to South Portland. The subsequent two-point conversion from Healy to Horton was key in building a decisive advantage. Horton’s touchdown late in the fourth quarter solidified the victory, leaving Deering with a disheartening record of 2-4 for the season.
In other notable matchups, Thornton Academy dominated Massabesic with a commanding 50-13 victory. Connor Ayoob showcased his talents with four rushing touchdowns, while Noah Fullerton connected on a touchdown pass to Simon Gellis. The Trojans improved to 5-1, while Massabesic fell to 2-4.
Meanwhile, Lawrence secured a thrilling 47-35 win over Fryeburg Academy. Garrett Leclerc was a standout performer, rushing for three touchdowns and propelling Lawrence to a balanced 3-3 record. Ty Boone of Fryeburg kept the game competitive, scoring three touchdowns including an impressive 82-yard kickoff return.
In a shutout performance, Freeport overwhelmed Maranacook with a score of 42-0. Andrew Thomas was instrumental, scoring three touchdowns and throwing for another, leading Freeport to a solid 4-2 record.
Finally, Winthrop/Montmouth/Hall-Dale edged past Poland with a 21-6 victory, bolstered by a strong second half that sealed the game. Jacob Feith threw a touchdown pass to Brody Adams, while Ross Fichthorn scored to secure Winthrop’s undefeated record at 6-0.
These thrilling matchups showcase the fierce competition in high school football, with teams battling not just for wins but for pride and community support. Fans are eager to see how the season unfolds as teams prepare for the next round of games.
