Dom Huntington is Portland football’s ironman
Portland High’s Dominant Ironman: Dominic Huntington Has Not Missed a Game in Four Seasons
Portland, ME — The Portland Bulldogs’ senior offensive lineman, Dominic “Dom” Huntington, has become a local legend by playing in every varsity football game since his freshman year, a feat few high‑school athletes achieve. With 39 games already under his belt and a potential to play 47 if the Bulldogs win another championship, Huntington exemplifies the phrase “availability is everything” that NFL icon Bill Parcells once popularized.
Standing 5‑11 and weighing 225 pounds, Huntington has been a mainstay on both sides of the line for Portland. He was first put on the varsity roster by freshman coach Sean Green, who used him on special teams during the 2022‑23 season. Injuries opened the door for Huntington to start several games at nose guard in a 10‑1 campaign. By his sophomore year, he was a two‑way starter—right guard on offense and a defensive lineman—helping the Bulldogs clinch the state championship in 2024 after a decisive 35‑14 win over Thornton Academy.
“We just go week by week,” Huntington told reporters on the sidelines of a September 30 game. “I don’t keep track. I just love the brotherhood and winning.” When asked about the 39 games he has played, the senior added, “It just makes me happy to play.” His teammates and coaches echo that sentiment. Portland’s third head coach in the program’s history, Dylan Rottkov, described Huntington as “a pretty dang good player. Terrific as a lead blocker when he’s pulling.” Rottkov, who has seen Huntington under three head coaches, praised his “monster on the D‑line” and the durability that has kept him on the field.
The Bulldogs, currently 4‑0, are on a roll that could see them win a fourth straight Class A North title. If that happens, Huntington could add eight more games to his streak, bringing his total to 47 varsity contests—51 if the annual Thanksgiving Day game against Deering is counted. The team’s current 33‑6 record reflects the impact of a roster full of experienced linemen, including fellow seniors Law Nguyen at left guard, Dan Gallagher at center, and fullback Bailey Jordan.
Huntington’s ironman run almost faltered last season when he broke his wrist in a Week 5 loss to Thornton. In a moment that could have ended his streak, Huntington collided with running back Connor Ayoob while trying to punch the ball free. “He was so low and I tried to go for him and he just dug down, and I hit him directly in the face,” he recalled. Despite the injury, Huntington wore a cast and a protective club‑shaped cast for the rest of the season, joking that “I tried to use it to my advantage.” The incident earned him a reputation for grit—an attribute that has kept the Bulldogs’ offensive line one of the state’s most reliable.
Beyond his individual accomplishments, Huntington’s story is one of family and community. His younger brother, Liam Huntington—standing 6‑2 and 245 pounds—has taken on the role of starting left tackle for the Bulldogs. “I never thought he was going to play right next to me,” Dom said. “It’s pretty cool. And my parents love it, of course.” The two brothers often line up side by side, combining forces to block defenders in a combo that has become a favorite in the Bulldogs’ playbook.
The senior has also faced scrutiny from the state’s coaching ranks, prompting the Press Herald to ask a handful of coaches whether their teams had an “ironman” like Huntington. Responses noted that players such as Poland linebacker Gavin Gilbert and Dirigo defensive end Josh Newhall have each played 32 games entering the weekend. Greely quarterback Luke Piper, a 35‑game veteran, could add a few more with a state championship appearance. While the sample size is small, the conversation highlights how rare Huntington’s durability is in Maine’s competitive high‑school football landscape.
When asked about the future, Huntington remained focused on the present. “I think we have a chance this year to win it all,” he said, pointing to the team’s strong defense and a line that has proven to be both powerful and resilient. As the Bulldogs prepare for their upcoming Class A showdown at Thornton Academy on Saturday, fans will watch to see whether Huntington’s ironman streak continues and whether the Bulldogs can close out another championship season.
In a sport where injuries are inevitable and fatigue can derail careers, Huntington’s steady presence on the field offers a narrative of perseverance. Whether he adds 47 games to his résumé or stops at 39, his commitment to the game and to his teammates will remain a point of pride for Portland High School and the broader Maine high‑school football community.
