The Class B state championship game between Fryeburg Academy and Cony High School drew a packed crowd at the historic baseball field in Standish, Maine, as both teams vied for a coveted title.
A First‑Inning Spark
Fryeburg drew first blood when Brady Chappell launched a two‑run homer in the opening frame, turning a 2‑0 deficit into a 3‑2 lead and igniting the crowd.
Oliver Dean, the Raiders’ right‑hander, weathered an early rally by Cony that loaded the bases with no outs, but he settled the inning and kept the opposition scoreless for the next several frames.
Building the Lead
The Raiders extended their advantage in the second inning, adding two more runs to push the score to 4‑2, a margin that would prove crucial as Cony fought back in the third.
Despite a bases‑loaded situation in the third, Cony could only manage a single run, and Dean’s composure shone as he retired the side in order during the fifth and sixth innings.
Coaches’ Praise and Legacy
Fryeburg coach Greg Allain lauded his squad’s resilience, noting how the team’s determination after a painful loss to Greely in the South final fueled their championship drive. Cony coach Don Plourde acknowledged the Raiders’ strength and praised Dean’s steady improvement throughout the game.
The victory not only ended a championship drought that stretched back more than four decades, but also marked the culmination of a season defined by perseverance and community support.