The Aroostook Huskies high school football team made a gallant second-half comeback Saturday, but lost 30-18 to the Damariscotta Eagles in the opening game of the season.
The host Eagles led 30-0 at halftime before the Huskies stormed back.
Connor Rideout of Presque Isle chipped in with some great running to get things moving in the second half, according to coach Taylor DeFelice. Ilijaha Fortes of Presque Isle tossed a pair of touchdown passes to Angel Riopelle of Caribou and Zaylan Johnston of Mars Hill ran back an interception for a touchdown, while the defense kept Damariscotta off the scoreboard throughout the second half. However, the 30-point deficit proved too much to overcome as the Huskies final drive fell short on fourth down inside the Eagles’ 10-yard line.
Braydon Martin of Limestone chipped in with an interception and Darian Hartley of Caribou had a stellar defensive game with a sack, a fumble recovery and multiple tackles for loss.
The Huskies will make the trip to Berlin, New Hampshire, for their next game against the Berlin Gladiators on Saturday, Sept. 8. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.
The Huskies compete in five-team Maine Independent Football League, which uses an 11 vs. 11 format. They will play an eight-game schedule, with the playoffs beginning Nov. 10.
The team’s first home game will be against the Central Maine Eagles Sept. 15 in Presque Isle. The site is the Northern Maine Community College field in Presque Isle and game time is 2 p.m.
