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DOVER-FOXCROFT— Michaleb Niles rushed for 120 yards and three touchdowns to lift the Foxcroft Ponies to a 41-0 win over Washington Academy in a class D Northern Maine football semifinal game played Friday night at Oakes Field.
Jaden Talbot returned the opening kickoff 75 yards to put the the Raiders at the Ponies eight yard line. The Foxcroft defense forced a turnover on downs. Niles capped off the Ponies first offensive possession with a 14 yard touchdown run. The next time the Ponies had the ball they also put points on the board, this time it was Jeremy Richard with a five yard touchdown run. Luke Stedman converted the extra point to give Foxcroft a 14-0 lead wit 6:41 remaining in the first quarter.
Both teams struggled offensively the rest of the first half. The wet conditions and solid defense forced two turnovers from each team in the second quarter. Finn Furth had an interception for the Raiders, while Caleb Ladd forced a fumbled and recovered a fumble for the Ponies.
Niles had two touchdowns in the second half, while Richard had one. Hyatt Smith capped the scoring with a 67 yard punt return. Stedman made six of seven extra point attempts.
Richard finished with 108 total yards, including 64 receiving. Matt Spooner threw for 100 yards on 5-11 passing. Foxcroft (9-0) will host Bucksport or Mattanawcook in the Northern Maine regional Final next weekend. Washington Academy finishes the season with a 5-5 record.
