The Aroostook Huskies high school football team made the trip to New Hampshire Sept. 8 to take on the Berlin Gladiators and, playing without six starters who missed the game for different reasons, the Huskies suffered a 52-2 defeat.
Michael Brigman of Caribou started at quarterback for the Huskies (0-2) and coach Taylor DeFelice said Brigman made a few nice throws despite being under pressure throughout the game.
“Berlin has a 34-man roster and 14 are seniors,” DeFelice said. “They were the league champions last year.”
The Huskies were sparked by the defensive play of Darian Hartley and Kaden DeMerchant, both of Caribou. Hartley was in Berlin’s backfield on several occasions and recorded a sack and a few tackles for losses. DeMerchant led the Huskies in tackles and recorded a fumble.
The Huskies compete in a five-team Maine Independent Football League, which uses an 11 vs. 11 format. The Huskies program, which is not affiliated with any school, consists of 28 players from the communities of Caribou, Fort Fairfield, Limestone, Mars Hill, Presque Isle and Washburn.
They play an eight-game schedule, with the playoffs beginning Nov. 10. The other teams in the league, besides the Berlin Gladiators, are the Central Maine Eagles, based in South China; the Damariscotta Eagles; and the Valley Mustangs, who are the only other Aroostook County team and are based in Madawaska.
The Huskies will play their first home game on Saturday, Sept. 15, against the Central Maine Eagles. The game will start at 2 p.m. at Northern Maine Community College.
