High school football fans are gearing up for a highly anticipated matchup as the No. 3 Yarmouth Clippers face the No. 2 Mt. Ararat Eagles in the Large School South semifinal on Friday at 7 p.m. in Topsham, Maine. Both teams are entering the game with impressive records of 7-1, aiming for a spot in the regional championship.
This game marks a pivotal moment for both teams, with Yarmouth seeking to replicate its success from 2022, when it claimed the state championship, and Mt. Ararat looking to revisit the glory of 2019, when it won Maine’s inaugural eight-man championship. Historically, this will be the third playoff encounter between the two schools, with their previous meetings showcasing intense competition.
The Eagles and the Clippers were among the first schools to adopt the eight-man football format in 2019. In their first playoff clash that year, Mt. Ararat triumphed over Yarmouth in the semifinals. However, last year, Yarmouth turned the tables by defeating Mt. Ararat in the regional final, despite the Eagles having home-field advantage following a dominant win during the regular season.
In their season opener this year, Mt. Ararat secured a convincing 44-20 victory over Yarmouth. The Eagles put relentless pressure on Clippers quarterback Iggy McGrath, a strategy they will likely replicate in the upcoming game.
Strategies for Victory
For Yarmouth to emerge victorious, protecting quarterback Iggy McGrath will be crucial. In their previous encounter, Mt. Ararat’s top lineman, Adrian Reyes, disrupted Yarmouth’s offensive flow significantly. With senior guard Brayden Kloza returning from injury, Yarmouth hopes to bolster its offensive line. Throughout the season, Yarmouth has averaged an impressive 51.4 points in its seven wins. Given adequate protection, McGrath has demonstrated his ability to perform, throwing for 36 touchdowns while only throwing two interceptions.
Yarmouth’s defense will also need to improve, as they have allowed an average of 25.5 points per game this season. However, since Week 3, their defensive unit has tightened up, allowing just 16.8 points per game. Key players on the defense include linebackers Liam Henning and Harper Ericson, as well as defensive end Lucas Tebbenhoff.
On the other side, Mt. Ararat’s victory will hinge on controlling the line of scrimmage and minimizing mistakes. Coach Frank True emphasizes the importance of “fixing us,” focusing on physical execution and minimizing penalties. The Eagles’ defensive unit has been formidable, allowing only 104 points this season, an average of 13 points per game, the lowest in the eight-man league.
Offensively, Mt. Ararat boasts a balanced attack, with four running backs each exceeding 400 yards this season, averaging over 10.4 yards per carry. Quarterback Will Davis, while not frequently called upon to pass, has completed 13 of 21 attempts for 250 yards and 5 touchdowns this season.
Key Players to Watch
For Yarmouth, significant contributors include:
– Junior QB Iggy McGrath (144 of 213 passing, 2,439 yards, 36 TDs, 2 INTs)
– Senior WR Adam Pelotte (43 catches, 754 yards, 17 TDs)
– Junior WR Jackson Jabar (48 catches, 839 yards, 9 TDs; 27 carries, 288 yards, 3 TDs)
– Junior RB Raph McGuffie (77 carries, 477 yards, 5 TDs)
For Mt. Ararat, key players include:
– Senior RB/DE Nick Doughty (113 carries, 1,249 yards)
– Senior slot/DB Aidan Ramsay (35 carries, 420 yards; school-record 11 interceptions)
– Senior RB/LB Avery O’Connor (59 carries, 702 yards)
– Junior RB/LB Josh Merriman (58 carries, 602 yards)
As the game approaches, coaches from both teams have shared their insights. Yarmouth’s coach, Nick Orsi, noted the importance of converting critical downs, stating, “They did a great job of converting third and fourth downs in the regular season meeting.” Conversely, Coach True anticipates a competitive matchup, emphasizing the need for his team to execute effectively.
With both teams showcasing exceptional talent and determination, Friday’s game promises to be an exhilarating contest that could determine the trajectory of their respective seasons.
