The Phoenix missed in their first chance, losing the season opener against Wells. They now get a second shot at one of those two wins this week, when they travel to face 2-0 Cape Elizabeth.
It might be a good thing that this game will be played on the artificial field turf at the Capers’ home field. There should be a lot of offense in this game, and a lot of points could be scored. Last week, these two teams combined to score 89 points.
Polky also said during the preseason that his team is plentiful with athletes. The 1-1 Phoenix got one of those athletes back last week in senior quarterback Caulin Parker. Capers coach Aaron Filieo is well aware of what the Spruce Mountain offense can do.
“Caulin has given us fits in the past,” Filieo said. “We need to stop their option and tackle their athletes in space.”
While Parker contributed a couple touchdown passes with his arm in his first game of the season against Lake Region, Dillon Webster did plenty of damage with his legs, scoring four touchdowns. Kayle Stewart and Brandon Frey caught Parker’s TD passes.
The Capers have just as many weapons. Ben Ekedahl has three touchdowns through two games (one on defense), Ryan Weare scored twice in Cape Elizabeth’s first game and Peyton Weatherbie found paydirt twice last week. Jack Glanville and Brett McAlister also have scored for the Capers.
Filieo said this week will be a different test for his team than the 42-0 win the Capers earned against Poland last weel.
“Spruce always plays us tough,” Filieo said. “We know they will be physical and ready to go.”
Besides having homefield advantage, Cape Elizabeth also has an edge in experience. The Capers have a big senior class, while on the line the Phoenix are still young. Polky said after last Friday’s win over Lake Region that Parker’s return to the team was a boon. He brings stability and playmaking ability to both sides of the ball.
Filieo might be hoping his veteran team plays a little smarter than they have through two games, though.
“We need to significantly reduce our penalties,” Filieo said. “We are beating ourselves too much this season.”
However the Capers have been beating themselves hasn’t translated to the scoreboard this season. They have outscored their two opponents 71-6. The Phoenix might have to trend close to the 47 points they scored against Lake Region to win one of the games Polky has circled on his calendar for his team to get where they want to be by the end of the season.
Spruce Mountain’s final two games of the four that Polky highlighted come in weeks six and seven. The Phoenix will have gained more experience by then, but could also be in desperation mode to win those marquee games.
Friday night’s clash with the Capers presents a chance for the Phoenix to stake a claim as being one of the better teams in Class C South. They will have to beat a Cape Elizabeth team that is seemingly one of those in order to do so.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
