This week we finish up with Jackson Taylor, the former Windham Eagle who quarterbacked them to the 2009 State Title. Many high school athletes hang on to the dream of playing at the next level, and sometimes hang on to it until it's too late, without thinking of what they would do in the real world. Taylor was not one of them. Taylor, who attended Manning Passing Academy camp one off-season high school summer, came to Maine to play quarterback, was moved to fullback, then transferred out of the school, with his after football life in mind.
The schooling isn't over for Taylor, though.
There's still the Al Bundy aspect of a former high school athlete, reliving the glory days. The 2009 Windham championship was almost derailed twice, by Bonny Eagle in the semifinals, by Cheverus (and the rain) in the regional final, and by Bangor in the state championships. Windham persevered and made the big plays when they needed them, led by Taylor and Fitzpatrick Trophy winner Jack Mallis.
One thing Taylor hits on is something that something many don't realize when they're in high school: people go their separate ways.
There are plenty of kids like Jackson Taylor playing sports right now throughout Maine high school athletics, and it certainly makes you feel better about the future.
Starting next week, football season starts, and I'll be providing the Oxford Hills perspective on Eastern A each week, with game stories and the like. Good luck to all the teams and athletes this season.
Matt Boutwell is a morning radio host for Z105.5 FM in Auburn, the Voice of the Oxford Hills Vikings on WOXO 92.7 in Norway, and the Program Director for MBR Radio. A former high school athlete who realized he was better off talking about sports rather than playing them, he lives in Mechanic Falls with his family.
Off the Mic is a member of the BDN Maine Blog network.