Panthers, Falcons run, hit, tackle in preseason gridiron action

WALDOBORO — For the players, coaches and fans of Medomak Valley, Saturday, Aug. 21 was a welcome sight as the Panthers hosted a foe to its field — namely the Falcons of Freeport — for old-school, smash-mouth football.

Scene from Medomak Valley and Freeport on Aug. 21 in high school preseason football. Zack Miller

It had been two years since helmets and shoulder pads were strapped on after COVID-19 wiped out the 2020 season, although teams did get on the field — including Medomak Valley — for 7-on-7 flag play to help fill the void.

Scene from Medomak Valley and Freeport on Aug. 21 in high school preseason football. Zack Miller

Saturday’s meeting — which did not have scores tabulated — was a controlled-scrimmage, which consisted of teams running 10 offensive plays without down-and-distance markers, before those markers were picked up and each squad had to earn first downs as if it were a real contest.