UPDATE: In a stunning upset, the Westbrook High football team clinched its first-ever regional title, defeating two-time champions Kennebunk, 34-27, at a packed Olmstead Field on Friday night. With over 2,000 fans in attendance, the No. 1 Blue Blazes showcased a remarkable performance in the Class B South final, marking a historic moment for the school.
“This is unbelievable! The community showed up, and we delivered,” said captain Dimitri Lubin, who contributed significantly with six catches for 80 yards, including a crucial touchdown. Westbrook, coming off a disappointing 2-6 season, now advances to its first state championship game next Saturday at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland.
The Blue Blazes (9-1) were considered underdogs despite their top seed, but they fought back from adversity throughout the game. Coach Sam Johnson, a 2012 Westbrook grad, emphasized the team’s resilience: “Adversity creates opportunity. We embrace moments like this.”
Kennebunk (8-2), the No. 2 seed, struggled with turnovers, committing four throughout the game, including a crucial interception and three fumbles. Westbrook capitalized on these mistakes, turning them into vital points.
The turning point of the match occurred with less than six minutes left on the clock. Westbrook was leading 27-20 when running back Cole Tanner fumbled at the Kennebunk 10-yard line. Kennebunk’s Jaiden Homa appeared ready to score, but tight end Owen Taylor made a pivotal play, stripping the ball and allowing Adrian Anderson to recover it for Westbrook.
“I knew we had to get the ball back. I just ran as fast as I could,” Taylor recounted. Westbrook then extended its lead with a 2-yard touchdown run by quarterback Gio Staples, bringing the score to 34-20 with just over two minutes remaining.
Despite a last-ditch effort from Kennebunk, culminating in an 8-yard touchdown pass from Sam Matthews to Homa with only 13 seconds left, Westbrook secured the victory by recovering the onside kick.
“Credit to our kids, they didn’t give up,” said Kennebunk coach Keith Noel. “They worked to the very last whistle. Credit to Westbrook. They made more plays than we did.”
Staples was a standout performer, completing 9 of 17 passes for 135 yards and rushing for 77 yards with two touchdowns. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading leads and scoring drives. Westbrook’s early momentum was established by a 25-yard run from Andre Hicks III, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown.
Looking ahead, Westbrook must prepare for a formidable opponent, as they will face North champion Cony (10-0) next week. Coach Johnson acknowledged the challenge but is confident in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion: “We’re going to have to come back to practice on Monday and just start working again for Cony.”
As excitement builds for the upcoming state championship, Westbrook’s historic win will undoubtedly resonate throughout the community. The Blue Blazes have not only brought home a championship but have also inspired a new era of football pride in Westbrook.
