WATERBORO — The start to the 2015 football season couldn’t have been much tougher for Massabesic as the Mustangs went 0-6 and were outscored 268-33, including a pair of shutouts, during that stretch.

Some teams would probably have thrown in the towel after such a disheartening run, but head coach Brooks Bowen and the Mustangs just kept working hard and believing brighter days were ahead.

That mindset paid off on Friday night as the Mustangs traveled to Lewiston and came back home with a 32-14 win over the Blue Devils.

“The win was huge in terms of recognizing success … but we have had success all season, we just had to look beyond the win-loss column,” said Bowen.

No matter the amount of success Bowen’s team had through the first six weeks, the victory over Lewiston was a welcome sight.

“The locker room was high and upbeat,” said Bowen, who said his team also knows there is still a lot of work to be done. “We are happy with the win, but recognize the road to become an elite team is still long with much work to do. Friday built a great deal of trust in the program and solidified what we all knew was possible.”

Bowen believes the Mustangs’ discipline was key to Friday night’s win.

“While we have steadily improved, we have had some breakdowns that have put us into bad situations. The difference Friday was in our discipline and playing with a higher degree of physicalness,” said Bowen.

According to Bowen, his message to the team after the win was simple.

“I have never wanted a team to taste victory as much as I have this one,” Bowen told his team. “You have taken your lumps, but show right back up on Saturday mornings anxious for the preparation for the next opponent. Your character is nothing anyone can ever question. I am so proud and happy for you – you have earned this moment.”

The Mustangs will close out the 2015 season with a trip to Sanford on Friday night.