Football coaches don’t like to look ahead, but sports writers do.

If Cheverus keeps winning, it will go for its 31st consecutive win Oct. 13 at Thornton Academy. That’s the Class A record for consecutive wins, set by South Portland from 1995-97 — a team coached by the current Cheverus coach, John Wolfgram.

That would certainly add another element of intrigue to an already big game between Class A powers. Cheverus beat the Golden Trojans 21-10 in last year’s regional final en route to its second straight unbeaten season (12-0) and another state title.

Cheverus beat Sanford in its opening game this year, followed by a win over Portland last Saturday. The Stags shoot for their 27th consecutive win tonight at South Portland, which is 0-2.

All the Cheverus players and coaches are thinking about are the Red Riots. In their minds, it’s South Portland and only South Portland.

But let’s look ahead.

Cheverus plays Sept. 21 at Windham, which has gotten off to a great start and appears to have the talent to challenge the Stags.

After that, Cheverus has back-to-back home games against Gorham (Sept. 29) and Bonny Eagle (Oct. 6). Bonny Eagle could give Cheverus a game if it irons a few things out.

Then comes Thornton in a showdown game that likely will determine the top seed for the Western Class A playoffs.

Gaining the No. 1 seed is huge, as any coach would tell you. Teams are more comfortable at home than on the road. Cheverus had the home-field advantage in the last two regional finals: Two years ago it beat Deering 35-34 in a classic, and last year withstood a strong effort from Thornton.

Should Cheverus be fortunate enough to reach 31 straight, it would go for the record at home Oct. 20 against Deering.

WHILE ONE TEAM is looking to add to its winning streak, another ended its losing streak last Friday night.

Biddeford, which had lost 10 straight, beat South Portland 23-7 for its first victory since October 2010.

“I’ve got good kids. They really deserved it,” said Coach Scott Descoteaux.

Biddeford’s tradition is to ring the school bell after every win. The Tigers have a new bell, located at the front entrance, with the renovation of the high school. It was the first time the team got to ring it.

“We needed something positive to happen. There’s nothing like winning a football game at Biddeford,” said Descoteaux.

When the Tigers arrived at the high school from Waterhouse Field, there was a large contingent of fans to greet them.

“They were lined up on South Street,” said Descoteaux.

South Street is perpendicular to Maplewood Avenue, where the school is located.

“The whole place was crazy,” he said.

Quarterback Nick Leblond won a Biddeford game for the first time.

He was thrust into the starting lineup as a sophomore in a Western Class A quarterfinal against Scarborough that started the losing streak.

Leblond ended it with an outstanding game.

The Tigers will be home Friday night against Kennebunk.

“We always seem to get their best effort,” said Descoteaux. “Kennebunk has some good athletes.”

WESTBROOK QUARTERBACK Kyle Heath and end Aaron Duncanson have formed a nice combination in the opening two games.

Duncanson has caught eight passes for 130 yards. Heath, who moved from halfback to quarterback this season, has completed 14 of 24 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns, with two interceptions.

Collin Joyce, who is another good target for Heath, has caught two touchdown passes.

Cale Bollig has four rushing touchdowns for the Blue Blazes, and Ben Grant also has scored two touchdowns.

“Kyle and Aaron worked together during the summer,” said Coach Jeff Guerette. “They’re comfortable with each other.”

Westbrook will be home Friday night against Greely in a game between teams with 2-0 records.

“Greely is good. We’ll definitely have our hands full. They have a nice balance between the run and the pass,” said Guerette.

In their first season in Class B since the early 1960s, the Blazes started 0-3 last year. But they quickly recovered and made a strong playoff run.

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be reached at 791-6419 or at:

tchard@pressherald.com

Twitter: TomChardPPH

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