ROCKPORT — Following a year layoff due to the pandemic and being ineligible for the MPA playoffs in 2019, the Camden Hills football program will make their first playoff appearance since 2018 when they travel Friday, Oct. 29 to Edward McMann Field at Morse High School in Bath challenge the Shipbuilders in an eight-man football quarterfinal game that will begin at 7 p.m.

Morse is entering the contest as the No. 2 seed and sports a 5-2 record while Camden enters as the No. 3 seed sporting a 4-2 record. The two teams met twice during the regular season and each team earned a win against the other. Both also lost to No. 1 seed Waterville. 

The Rockport-based Windjammers bested Morse early in the season 60-42 as the 'Jammers seized control with a fourth down stop late in the third quarter to build on their 34-30 lead at the time. Up to that point the teams had literally traded touchdowns on each possession except for the end of the first half. Senior tailback Hunter Norton scored six touchdowns in the contest for Camden Hills, carrying the ball 30 times for 359 yards and playing stellar defense.

The rematch occurred earlier this month in Rockport when the Shipbuilders spoiled Camden Hills’ homecoming and senior night celebrations with a 44-30 victory.

The second game nearly mirrored the initial contest as the teams were tied 22-22 at the half. The ‘Jammers took an early second half lead on a long Norton touchdown but was stymied by an improved Morse defense as well as costly turnovers.

Norton, quarterback Ryan Clifford, cornerback/running back Mason Chadwick, tight end and defensive end Enzo Russillo and offensive lineman and defensive end JJ Harrington as seniors are now in the home stretch of long and storied careers. The five players have a combined 49 years in the red, white and black dating back to early youth days with Five Town Football.

The Windjammers are a young squad with only nine upperclassmen, and 24 freshmen and sophomores. They are led by second year head coach Chris Christie.

“We are excited to return to playoff football,” said Christie. “The process of getting to this playoff year started last fall when a group of very committed athletes endured the 2020 season. We kept the momentum, with a new group of freshman players, going into this season and the playoffs.”

On Morse, Christie added, “We are excited for another opportunity with Morse. We have a great amount of respect for their entire program. I hope we can put on a show for the Jammer fans!”

Carl Chadwick contributed to the reporting of this article.