Coaches Kevin Cooper of Bonny Eagle and Randy Small of York collected their 100th career wins last week.

Cooper has been the Scots’ coach for 16 years and Small has led the Wildcats for 17.

Bonny Eagle beat Massabesic 47-14 and York downed Greely, 35-21.

Cooper has captured four Class A state titles – 2004, ’05, ’07 and ’08. As with most new coaches, it took him a few years to build a winning program but once it got rolling, the wins came in a hurry. The Scots were 12-0 in 2004 and ’07, and 10-2 in ’05 and ’08.

His father, Pete Cooper, a longtime head coach at Lawrence, won 216 career games. After retiring, he helped his son as an assistant at Bonny Eagle.

Small, also York’s basketball coach, was surprised when it was announced over the public-address system that he had 100 wins. His assistant coaches had done the math and passed on the information.

“I had no idea,” said Small. “I never look back at the records. We run a boring program. I’m only concerned with the next game.”

York will be at Fryeburg Academy on Saturday.

Small said he’s proud of the program’s consistency, his players’ graduation rate (100 percent) and the retention of assistant coaches.

“We’ve been together pretty much the whole time,” said Small. “I have assistant coaches leaving their kids’ games to go scout for us. We’ve also had assistant coaches go to other places to coach and be successful.”

Under Small, York has been in five Western Maine finals, winning three. The Wildcats are 0-3 in state finals, something Small and his team hope to change in the near future. 

WITH SIX TEAMS making the playoffs in Class A, those with two wins have a shot of getting in. Deering, which won for the first time last week, could put itself into playoff contention Friday night with a home victory against Edward Little.

The Rams have been using senior Mike Marzilli and sophomore Max Chabot at quarterback. Both played roles in the 18-8 win over Oxford Hills.

Marzilli’s 2-yard sneak in the third quarter put Deering up for good. After the Vikings took an 8-0 lead in the opening quarter, the Rams struck when Chabot and tight end Dom Bernard hooked up on a 39-yard touchdown pass.

Marzilli gained 68 yards on 10 carries and was 6-of-9 passing for 97 yards. Coach Matt Riddell said each quarterbacks has different strengths and the Rams are trying to use them as best they can.

Deering made some defensive adjustments for the second half, which Riddell credited to assistant coach Rob Kierstead, the defensive coordinator, for having the foresight to see what was needed.

After five straight losses, the Rams were a happy group on the ride home.

“It was the happiest bus ride I have been on,” said Riddell.

It’s been a tumultuous two weeks for the team, with the dismissal of the former coach, Scott Parsons. The Deering faculty, realizing the players and coaches have been stressed, bought the team snack packs for the trip to South Paris. They contained such items as powerbars, Gatorade and other nutritious food.

GARY PARLIN’S 21st season as the Mt. Blue coach apparently will be his last.

“I’ve haven’t put in my resignation or anything but that’s the plan,” said Parlin.

Parlin, who told his team earlier this season that this was it, also plans on retiring as a teacher.

The Cougars won the Class B state championship last year.

Tom Chard can be contacted at 791-6419 or at:

tchard@pressherald.com

Twitter: TomChardPPH