Biddeford quarterback Marc Reali looks to make a play during the Tigers season opener against Massabesic, Reali threw for two touchdowns in Biddeford’s 27-23 win. (MAUREEN GRANDMAISON PHOTOGRAPHY)

WATERBORO –  Biddeford football head coach Brian Curit knew it was just a matter of time before fullback Aidan Donovan would break off for a big run during the Tigers’ season-opening game against Massabesic Friday night.

In the end, it was the junior’s long gain that proved to be the difference.

Donovan broke away for a 44-yard touchdown with 1:41 left in the third quarter to put the Tigers ahead 27-21. From there, Biddeford held on to beat Massabesic 27-23 in a season opener for both teams.

“Aidan Donovan is a special player,” Curit said. ”We were wondering at some point what (Massabesic) was going to do with him, but he just went around that corner and was off.”

Biddeford clung to its six-point lead late in the fourth in its own territory, with the opportunity to ice the game with a few first downs. 

But Massabesic’s defense stepped up and was also helped out by a holding penalty from a Tiger offensive lineman to push Biddeford back to its own 14. Facing a 4th and 21 with 1:57 remaining, Biddeford opted to take the safety, hoping to rely on its defense to make a game-saving play.

Enter Ashton Crowell.

Massabesic took over at its own 47 after the safety punt. Quarterback Nick Roberge looked to lead the Mustangs down the field for a winning score and lofted a deep pass toward the left sideline. But Crowell intercepted the pass and took it back all the way to Massabesic’s 22 yard line to clinch the game.

“I thought (Massabesic) was really well-coached,” Curit said. “I love (Massabesic head coach Eric Ouellette) over on the other sideline. I’m so proud of him, and I’m equally proud of my kids.” 

The Mustangs did their best to keep the Tigers on their heals in the first half. Roberge and running back Owen Roberts each broke off for multiple big gains. Roberge, a senior, also showed off his impressive arm strength as he tossed for two touchdowns in the first half. 

His second touchdown, a 12-yard connection to receiver Ethan Roy, tied the game at 21 with eight second left in the half. His counterpart had a big night as well. Biddeford quarterback Marc Reali threw for a pair of touchdown in the first, including a 56-yard score to Scott Kelly midway through the second quarter to put the Tigers ahead 14-7. Reali said the amount of athletes Biddeford possesses often make his job leading the team much easier, and it was needed against a considerable opponent.

“We’re just surrounded by great athletes, and our coach has done a great job getting us ready for the season,” Reali said. “But (Massabesic’s) a tough team over there.Those kids are big, they’re fast, they’re well coached.”

Despite the close loss, Ouellette saw many positives from his Mustang team. He just hopes they can put it all together next week when they head to Noble High.

“I think our guys played hard,” Ouellette said. “We need to clean up some things to execute a little bit better on the field. At times, we were really rolling, and then other times we gave up some big plays. You can’t give up big plays to good teams.”