MDI’s Defense Stifles Greely- Trojans Win 1st Football Gold Ball 28-0 [PHOTOS]

Bend.. Don't Break! That was the motto of the MDI Football Team's Defensive Unit. It's ok to give up yardage, just don't let the opponents into the end zone. On Saturday, November 11th the Trojans did just that. They forced the Greely Rangers to turn the ball over on downs 6 times, picked off the quarterback once and returned a fumble for a touchdown! The result - The MDI Trojans won the State Gold Ball for 8-Man Large Schools 28-0 at Cameron Stadium in Bangor on a cold, windy day, with wind chills in the mid-20's.

MDI Athletic Director presenting the Trojans their 1st ever Football Gold Ball Photo Chris Popper

As is often the case, MDI won the toss, and deferred, putting their defense out there 1st daring their opponent to score.

Forcing a turnover on downs, the Trojans took over on their own 47 yard line. In a drive that took 2:26 Spencer Laurendeau ran in from 1 yard out for the touchdown. MDI converted the 2-point conversion as Jacob Shields ran in from the right side and that made it 8-0 after the 1st Quarter.

Trojans with the Gold Ball November 11, 2023 Photo Chris Popper

MDI would dip into their bag of tricks for their 2nd touchdown of the game. In a flea-flicker, Laurendeau tossed the ball to Jacob Shield who launched a 29 yard pass into the wind to Jarren Biekert. Biekert who was tightly covered, juggled the ball as the Ranger defender closed quickly, but somehow managed to hang on for the touchdown. The 2-point conversion was good, with Jacob Shields running in from the left side. That made the score 16-0

2023 State 8-Man Large School Champions - The MDI Trojans Photo Chris Popper

The score at the Half was 16-0. MDI's defense allowed just 83 yards rushing and 43 yards passing. Meanwhile the Trojans had run for 136 yards and passed for 29 yards.

MDI scored on their opening possession of the 2nd Half. Spencer Laurendeau launched a 38 yard pass to a wide-open Cal Hodgdon who galloped in for the touchdown. The 2-point conversion was no-good, and MDI led 22-0.

The final touchdown came on a turnover as the Trojan defense caused a fumble, and Evan McKenzie scooped the ball up and ran in for a 17 yard touchdown. The 2-point conversion was no-good, and the final score was 28-0.

The only downside to the game was the fact that Walter Churchill, MDI's long-time photographer was rolled into on the sidelines. Walter was taken off the field on a gator and then to Northern Light-Eastern Maine Medical Center where it was determined he had broken his hip and was going to need surgery on Sunday or Monday.

MDI ends the season with a 9-1 record. They were the visitors in all 3 playoff games, beating Morse 32-3 in the semifinals, Camden Hills 26-6 in the Regional Finals and then Greely 28-0 for the Gold Ball!

Of course there was an emergency vehicle escort from the head of the Island to the School, and a ceremony in Bernard Parady Gymnasium.

Spencer Laurendeau ended with 24 rushing attempts for 138 yards. Lincoln Gray ran the ball 9 times for 32 yards and Jacob Shields ran the ball 5 times for 23 yards.

Members of the 2023 Gold Ball Team were