If the Bangor Rams want to punch their ticket to the Class A state championship, they’ll need to go through a familiar opponent.
In a repeat of last year’s North regional title game, Bangor is once again traveling south to face the Portland Bulldogs.
The defending state champion Bulldogs are 8-2 so far this year and led yet again by returning Maine Gatorade Player of the Year Cordell Jones.
Bangor is now 6-4 on the season after beating Oxford Hills 35-6 a week ago, powered by quarterback Kyle Johnson and the more than 70-yard touchdown run he rattled off on the very first play of the game.
Portland beat Bangor 54-14 in last year’s regional championship game, and also took down the Rams 42-26 earlier this season.
Bangor coach David Morris sees the playoffs as a new season, and his team was already able to reverse one regular season result by beating Oxford Hills just one week after losing to them badly.
Morris knows his Rams face a strong Portland squad, but he also has a group of battle tested seniors.
The Bangor coach called Portland’s Jones a “tremendous player,” and thinks his team also features one of the best performers across the state in Johnson. In addition to playing quarterback, senior co-captain Johnson also plays linebacker and punts for the Rams.
“They have some great supporting players as well, so you know, we respect them,” Morris said about Portland. “But at the same time, we’re looking forward to going down and we’re looking forward to playing.”
And he’s excited for his Bangor players to see more game action deep into the playoffs.
“You couldn’t ask for anything better, right? I mean, high school football in November and you’re able to go and play,” Morris said.
There will be a trip to the state championship on the line as Bangor and Portland face off at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland at 6 p.m. Friday.
“It will be a great contest,” Morris said earlier in the week.
