The Westbrook football team is on the brink of making history as it prepares to host Kennebunk in the Class B South championship game on Friday night. This marks the first time Westbrook has reached a conference championship game, with both teams holding an impressive record of 8-1 this season.
Kennebunk, a traditional powerhouse in the area, is looking to secure its third consecutive appearance in the state championship game. In contrast, Westbrook is eager to claim its first trip to a state championship, having already set a new program record for wins in a season.
“Every day, we”re excited to go out there and play and compete,” said senior receiver and cornerback Dimitri Lubin. “We have a great opportunity in front of us, so we can”t take anything for granted.”
During the regular season, Westbrook achieved a significant milestone by defeating Kennebunk 20-0 at home, becoming the only Class B South team to beat the Rams since Keith Noel took over as head coach in 2023.
The Blue Blazes feature several key players, including three-year starters like quarterback Gio Staples and Lubin, who excel in both receiving and defensive roles. The team boasts a solid offensive lineup and a formidable defense led by middle linebacker Tony Bongomin, considered one of the top defensive players in the league.
“Defensively, there”s no real vulnerabilities or weak spot,” said Sam Johnson, Westbrook”s fourth-year head coach. “We”ve earned this and protected home field.”
The atmosphere surrounding Westbrook”s team is electric, with players expressing excitement despite the chilly weather during practices. “The energy within the community and our team has just been amazing,” Bongomin noted.
However, Johnson acknowledges that some may consider Westbrook fortunate to be in this position, especially after last year”s 2-6 season. The players, still viewed as underdogs despite their top seed, are determined to prove their critics wrong.
Kennebunk, on the other hand, is coming off a semifinal victory over Falmouth and is equally motivated to reclaim its status. Coach Noel and his senior leaders, including standout running back and defensive end Austin West, recognize the challenge Westbrook presents. They believe that the previous matchup did not reflect their true capabilities.
Homa, a key wide receiver for Kennebunk, emphasized the need for their team to improve upon their last performance against Westbrook. “They”re a great team,” he stated, “and I think it will definitely be a battle this time, but I think we can absolutely put up a better standing than we did the last time.”
As both teams prepare for this historic clash, the stakes are high, and the outcome will be pivotal for each program”s legacy in Maine high school football.
