The 2018 fall sports season kicked off on Monday as teams from across the state began their quests for a state championship.
The Biddeford High School football team opened their campaign at Biddeford Middle School as both their practice field  and Waterhouse Field are currently under construction. Despite the change of location, head coach Brian Curit was happy with the effort on opening day.
“I thought they worked their tails off. I was very pleased with their work ethic,” said Curit. “This team worked really hard in the offseason and they’re working really hard out here now … it’s a good group.”
Just down the road, the Thornton Academy football team began their quest for a Gold Ball.

“I think the kids were excited and obviously there was a lot of energy,” said TA coach Kevin Kezal. “Now you want to try to maintain that energy throughout the week because obviously you’ve got 10 practices in five days and by Wednesday and Thursday they are dragging a little bit. You just want to get a little bit better every day and make sure you get all your installation in these first two weeks.”
Both Curit and Kezal were happy that Mother Nature cooperated and gave the teams a cool start to the 2018 season.
“As a coach you want nice weather. The kids are going to retain more. You can get more done and you can push a little harder,” Kezal said. “The hotter it gets that kind of hurts their growth and the mental part. We would certainly enjoy a nice, cool two weeks of doubles if we can get it.”
The two longtime coaches will both be counting on some experienced players to provide leadership this season.
“I think we’ve got a great senior class. We are very fortunate,” said Kezal, who pointed to captains Anthony Bracamonte, Ean Patry, Ethan Logan and Athan Gikas. “They are just a great group of kids and they’re going to provide some great leadership — and we’ve got some really good football players in that seniors class, too.”
Curit will look to senior quarterback Carter Edgerton to lead the way this season.
“I was very, very pleased overall (with the seniors’ leadership on Monday). They certainly know what they’re doing … I mean Carter Edgerton has to be on the short list for the best players in the state,” said Curit, who also pointed out wide receivers Cody Saucier and David Murphy and lineman Marty Martel as key leaders this year. “We’ve got Marty Martel who has played three years and you’ve got Saucier and Murphy, I mean what a tandem they are.”
Both Biddeford and Thornton Academy will open the 2018 season on the road — Biddeford heads to Brewer and TA visits Deering on Friday, Aug. 31 — but Curit is excited for the Tigers’ home opener on Sept. 7 at the renovated Waterhouse Field.
“It’s phenomenal. We’re really excited,” said Curit on Waterhouse Field. “We believe it’s going to be the envy of not only football, but the whole state. I don’t know if you’ve had a chance to be up in the bleachers or up in the press box, but it’s really incredible. We love Waterhouse and the tradition. You know you’re right on top of the action, there’s no track … it’s just great.”
— Sports Editor Pat McDonald can be reached at pmcdonald@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 322. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.