PORTLAND – Cam Olson, who missed nearly all of last season with a broken ankle, is making up for lost time.
Olson, a senior quarterback and safety, intercepted three passes and directed a high-powered offense Saturday as Cheverus rolled to a 38-0 victory against Scarborough in a Western Class A football game at rainy Boulos Stadium.
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The Stags (5-0) jumped on the Red Storm (2-3) early by forcing turnovers. Scarborough’s first two plays resulted in turnovers and a quick 14-0 Cheverus lead. On their third possession, the Red Storm kept the ball for two plays before fumbling it away again.
For the game, the Stags intercepted six passes and recovered three fumbles. Liam Fitzpatrick intercepted two passes and linebacker Brent Green scored on a 40-yard interception return that made it 38-0 at halftime.
Olson threw two touchdown passes and also ran effectively as the Stags again showed excellent offensive balance.
Running back Spencer Cooke scored the first touchdown and finished with 101 yards on 14 carries. Louie DiStasio caught a touchdown pass and kicked a field goal. Green also had a short touchdown run.
“It was a defensive day,” Olson said. “We love to play defense. It starts in the line. They were unbelievable. Scarborough had some starters out. They’re a good team.”
Being a quarterback is a plus when it comes to playing safety, said the 6-foot-3 Olson.
“I’m able to read the quarterback,” he said. “I have that knack.”
Olson played linebacker his first three seasons at Cheverus. He said he’s had to work to forget his linebacker mentality to play safety.
“I have to stay back. I’m the last line of defense,” he said.
Olson missed all of the regular season and the regional playoffs last year before seeing late action in the Class A state final against Bangor.
The Red Storm fumbled on their first play Saturday, a run, and Cheverus lineman Mike Dedian recovered.
Green ran for 3 yards on first down, then Cooke showed his speed and turned what looked like a big loss into a 24-yard score. He started right, then reversed field to score.
On Scarborough’s next play, Olson intercepted. On second down from the Red Storm 16, Olson passed in the flat to Donald Goodrich, who went the distance.
Olson’s second interception was followed by him teaming with DiStasio in the corner of the end zone, with the 6-4 receiver making a full extended catch. DiStasio’s third extra point made it 21-0.
Early in the second quarter, Fitzpatrick’s first interception led to the Stags’ fourth touchdown, a 1-yard run by Green.
DiStasio booted a 31-yard field goal with 2:35 left in the half to make it 31-0, and Green’s interception closed the scoring with 1:17 remaining before intermission.
“We got some turnovers and capitalized on them,” said Cheverus coach John Wolfgram. “We played well in the first half. The second half got a little sloppy. We’re growing as a team.”
Wolfgram said Olson is also growing at quarterback.
The player he’s replacing, Peter Gwilym, who graduated, was the James J. Fitzpatrick Trophy winner last season.
“I’m taking it one step at a time,” Olson said about playing quarterback. “I’ve always done a lot of reps at quarterback, so I feel I’m prepared. It’s a honor to follow Peter at quarterback. What he accomplished last season was special.”
Through five games, Olson has been a strong passer and runner.
“I like running the ball. I was a halfback when I was younger. I’m just doing what I can do to help the team,” he said.
For the Red Storm, it was a game that started poorly and continued to spiral downward.
“We didn’t play well,” said coach Lance Johnson. “You can’t keep giving Cheverus the ball inside the 30 and expect to survive.
“We have to play sounder football,” he said.
It will be a quick turnaround for the Red Storm, who will be home Thursday night against Deering. Cheverus will host Biddeford at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
Staff Writer Tom Chard can be contacted at 791-6419 or at:
tchard@pressherald.com
Twitter: TomChardPPH
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