Raider pride swells in Fitzpatrick Stadium

Every so often in a small community like Conway or Fryeburg when a high school sports team comes together through the passion of school personnel, coaches, and players to make a run at a state championship the energy galvanizes the community behind the hometown team in a belief that maybe this is our year. With each victory, the belief strengthens until finally if all goes well, it is time for the championship game. The community gathers at the championship venue to cheer on the hometown team.

The Fryeburg Academy football team just completed one of these magical seasons, exceeding expectations in their run for the title. The stands were at near capacity at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland as the Fryeburg Academy football team chased their dream. People came from great distances to be part of the experience. There were former players and alumni all there to cheer on the Raiders. I saw former players like Caleb Mailett, Colby Locke, Josh McKenney and Nathan Hill.