The Falmouth football team has a 3-0 record despite playing all its games away from home because its new, synthetic turf field isn’t ready. Home games against Fryeburg Academy and Lake Region were played at Deering’s Memorial Field.

Tonight, Falmouth plays at Cape Elizabeth (3-0) in the biggest game in the Yachtsmen’s eight-year program. The Yachtsmen, who have 17 returning starters, are taking on the defending Western Class B champion.

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Zach Bean

“The York game was a real good test for us,” said Falmouth Coach John Fitzsimmons. “We had to come from behind twice in order to win. We realized we have a team that can contend in the league. (Tonight) will be an even more dramatic step if we can walk away with a victory. We’re going in with the confidence we can win.”

Counting a preseason game with Mt. Ararat, Falmouth will have played five games away from home after tonight. The Yachtsmen are looking forward to their first game on their new field Oct. 2 against Wells.

“It’s a spectacular field,” said Fitzsimmons. “This will be our third straight week playing on turf. We have a comfort level on it, but the game is a little faster than on grass.”

Falmouth is averaging 41 points per game while allowing only eight.

The team has plenty of offensive threats and standout defenders.

Running back Caleb Bowden has overcome nagging injuries to have a good start to the season. Wide receiver Jack Cooleen has speed and also size at 6-foot-5. He has caught six touchdown passes.

Quarterback Zach Alexander has a year of growth and is playing with more confidence. Ryan McDonald is a strong complement to Bowden at running back.

In Andrew Edwards and Jack Horton, Falmouth has two talented and good-sized linemen on both sides of the ball. The team also has other big linemen who compare favorably with Cape’s size.

“We feel we have a lot of skilled athletes,” said Fitzsimmons. “I’ve watched Cape in person and on film for the last three weeks. They are absolutely a playoff contending team.”

Cape Elizabeth hasn’t been scored on in its three games.

“Cape is a model program. We’re had football relatively the same amount of time, but Cape has moved up the ladder faster,” said Fitzsimmons.

“We feel we’ve turned the corner. There’s no question there’s a lot of excitement. It should be terrific.”

PORTLAND CHANGED its offense before last week’s game against Westbrook, going with the more traditional I-formation instead of the wildcat formation.

The Bulldogs put Matt McInnis at quarterback and moved Imadhi Zagon to tailback.

Portland dropped its first two games before beating Westbrook, 27-16. The Bulldogs face a tough assignment Saturday, traveling to Cheverus for a 12:30 p.m. game.

With Zagon taking the snap in the wildcat, opponents could key on him running the ball. Zagon, who is a runner and not a passer, was in favor of the change.

At 6-2 and 192 pounds, McInnis has good size to spot receivers.

Bailey said he still has the option of using the wildcat if the situation dictates.

As part of the changes, the Bulldogs moved running back Carl Szanton to right guard. The move was in response to injuries in the line.

Szanton had never played in the line before last Friday but handled it well, according to the coach.

Zagon, who had 37 carries against Westbrook, suffered a shoulder bruise against Westbrook but will be fine for Saturday, said Bailey.

“Cheverus is a very good team,” said Bailey. “Their quarterback is outstanding. Cheverus is very stingy on defense.”

IN A MOVE that probably should be done more often in blowouts, the Greely game at Gray-New Gloucester went to running time after Greely went ahead 34-0 less than four minutes into the second quarter.

With the agreement of the game officials and head coaches, the clock only stopped for touchdowns, injuries or timeouts. The clock was kept running on incomplete passes, change of possession or penalties. The final score was 47-0.

DEERING COACH Greg Stilphen said his team needs to be more consistent.

“We need to show improvement and handle the emotional swings of a game better,” he said.

Tonight’s home game for Deering (2-1) against Windham (1-2) is big for both teams. Windham doesn’t want to fall to 1-3, which would make it an uphill climb to get into the playoffs. Deering wants to get to 3-1 and put the Bonny Eagle loss behind.

Last year, Windham rallied to beat Deering in an emotional game at Windham. It was the first time it had beaten Deering and set the tone for the rest of the season, which ended in a victory against Bangor in the Class A state final. Both coaches agree this game will go a long way in determining where their teams are now.

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be reached at 791-6419 or at:

tchard@pressherald.com