Marshwood football shuts out defending champ Westbrook in defensive battle
Marshwood’s 8‑0 Victory Propels Hawks to Early Season Standout
South Berwick, Sept. 11, 2026 – In a rain‑slicked Friday‑night showdown on the Westbrook field, Marshwood High’s football team edged the defending Class B champions 8‑0 to start the 2025‑26 season with a promising 2‑0 record.
The game, the first of the Class B South division’s slate, saw Marshwood’s 31‑man squad outmaneuver a Westbrook roster that had 1‑1 after losing its 10‑game winning streak the previous year. Marshwood’s defensive line, anchored by senior linebacker Sam Therrien, delivered four interceptions, while the offense capitalized on a single touchdown—a 3‑yard pass from quarterback Michael Sbrizza to fullback Greg Castoras.
A Defensive Masterclass
Therrien, who ran through the middle to stop several Westbrook drives, said the team had “wanted it bad” and that the result was “a combination of things that led to us being able to come away with a hard‑fought win tonight.” His “hole‑filling tackles” were a key component of the Hawks’ stout run defense.
Marshwood’s defensive prowess extended beyond the secondary. Noah Goodwin, a sophomore who intercepted three passes, also racked up 43 rushing yards on 10 carries and caught five passes for 29 yards. He kicked off the game with a 32‑yard kickoff return that put the Hawks in a good starting position. The defensive unit, while penalized five times for 40 yards, kept Westbrook’s offense at bay for the entire game.
Westbrook’s Struggles and Penalties
Westbrook’s offense was hampered by penalties that cost the Blue Blazes critical yardage. The Blue Blazes were called for three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and a total of six penalties for 75 yards. A 75‑yard penalty wiped out an 85‑yard interception return for a touchdown by Westbrook’s Andre Hicks III. A block in the back also negated a score, and a dead‑ball unsportsmanlike penalty erased any field‑position gain thereafter. Three plays later, a chunk run by senior running back Cole Tanner was called back, and on the following play, Westbrook quarterback Hunter Hall was intercepted by Marshwood’s defense.
Westbrook senior running back Cole Tanner, reflecting on the loss, said, “Same exact thing. It’s a wake‑up call. We made a lot of mistakes out there, as the referees let us know.” He finished the game with 13 carries for 96 yards and 3 receptions for 36 yards.
A Win for the Hawks
Marshwood’s 8‑0 score came on a touchdown pass from Sbrizza to Castoras that was almost nullified by an illegal substitution penalty just before halftime. Despite the penalty, the Hawks still managed to put the ball in the end zone. Castoras’ 21 rushes for 92 yards were the most productive on the offense, while Sbrizza’s 9 completions for 64 yards and one interception demonstrated a balanced passing attack.
The victory gives Marshwood a 2‑0 start, while Westbrook falls to 1‑1 after a season that began with a 10‑game winning streak that was snapped last year. Marshwood’s roster of 31 players is considered small for the competitive B South ranks, but the team’s senior and junior depth has already shown promise, especially after a 5‑5 finish last season.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Marshwood’s coach (not quoted in the original report) can highlight the defensive cohesion that will be key as the Hawks move forward. Westbrook will need to regroup after a disappointing finish, especially after the loss of the final game of the 2025 season.
The game also reminds observers of how penalties can derail a team’s momentum. Westbrook’s 75‑yard penalty total will likely be a talking point in the days ahead, as will Marshwood’s disciplined play that allowed them to capitalize on opportunities despite a somewhat penalized season.
As the 2026 season unfolds, both teams will be looking to build on this game. For Marshwood, the early win and defensive strength could set the tone for a successful run, while Westbrook’s next step will involve tightening up discipline and correcting the mistakes that cost them the game.
