OOB: ‘We Are the Champions’

OLD ORCHARD BEACH – For the first time in nearly 30 years, the town’s high school football team brought home the gold football as this year’s state champions.

The Old Orchard Beach Seagulls (9-2) won the title in their championship match against Orono High School on Saturday, beating the Red Riot, 46-22 at Cony High School’s Fuller Field.

“It still doesn’t feel quite real,” said Quarterback Brady Plante, a sophomore. “I mean we were confident going into it, but it hasn’t really settled.”

The Seagulls are part of what is now known as Eight-Man Small School Division, which was created four years ago.

But it wasn’t just the players who were excited about their win. Three of the players’ fathers are members of the coaching team, including Head Coach Dean Plante.

Assistant coaches Jason Webber and Jon Gallant were on the sidelines watching their own sons win a historic game. Webber’s son, Derrick, is a junior and played center and defensive end. Gallant’s son, Wesley, is a freshman and plays as a running back.

“You know there is always some judgment out there about whether the kids are on the team because of their ability or because of their family,” Coach Plante said. “I think we showed everyone on Saturday that this team was pure talent, dedication and commitment -  nothing more, nothing less.”

Assistant Coach Webber echoed Plante’s sentiment. “It was so rewarding to see all these kids succeed after working so hard, not just during the regular season but in the off-season, as well,” Webber said. “We have a really young team, but that didn’t stop any of them from going into it with pure determination and drive.”

The players say they were confident going into the game but that confidence was further buoyed by their opening drive when Brady connected with Wesley for the first touchdown. But it was the second half, when the Seagulls dominated the field with strong man-to-man coverage that Orono just couldn’t overcome.

Assistant Coach Gallant said he wasn’t worried about his players being rattled in the big game. “I was pretty calm,” he said. “I knew they [Orono] would have a hard time stopping our offense. We were simply the more physical team.”

The championship celebration has blanketed the small community. The police department sent cruisers to escort the team’s bus back into town. The Town Council was planning a special recognition ceremony for the team, and several businesses have hoisted signs to congratulate the team’s players and coaches.

The Seagulls had a strong season, punctuated by wins against undefeated Mountain Valley High School and coming back in the fourth quarter to defeat Dirigo High School in the regional championship game.

Coach Plante said he was more than proud of all his players and that it was extra rewarding to see his own son on the field.

“I’ve been at this for a lot of years,” Plante said of his 22-year career as head coach in Old Orchard Beach. “There are always a lot of variables, and you never know exactly what’s going to happen. This team was exceptional. Everyone stepped up with everything they had. Nobody cared about who was getting the credit.”

Plante, his players and coaching assistants all said they much appreciated the support and celebration in the community.

“It’s really the best experience you can have as a coach,” he said. “The community has a lot invested in this team. It’s a really great feeling to experience the joy and excitement that’s all over town.”

Randy Seaver can be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com.