New energy, and other things we learned at Cape Elizabeth football practice

CAPE ELIZABETH — When Issiah Bachelder took over as head football coach at Cape Elizabeth High School in March, he inherited a program coming off a difficult 1-7 season. Five months later, the energy around Hannaford Field tells a different story.

The team dressed 25 players for Tuesday's practice, the second day of formal workouts as Cape Elizabeth prepares for its second season in Maine's Eight-Man Large School South division. That's a significant jump from the five athletes who were using the weight room when Bachelder was hired.

"It went from five players in the weight room to 15 to 18 every day, and it stayed that way until the spring sports started," Bachelder said.

The new coach, who just turned 27, brings an unusual blend of experience and youth to the position. He quarterbacked Portland High to Class A North championships in 2015 and 2016, then continued playing in the New England Football League with the Southern Maine Raging Bulls before a stint overseas in Hungary. With his youthful appearance, he expects to be mistaken for a player at some point this season.

Senior nose tackle and running back Will Gray said the transformation began almost immediately after Bachelder's hiring.

"From what I'm seeing, we're really improved from last year," Gray said. "We're a very senior-heavy squad so we have the strength and experience to go deep in the playoffs, maybe win a championship."

Gray himself represents one of the program's unexpected success stories. He joined the football team last year after failing to make Cape's golf roster.

"It's one of the best decisions I've made in high school," Gray said. "Now I'm here and I'm really excited to play football."

His approach to his position embodies the blue-collar mentality the new coaching staff is cultivating.

"It's not easy work. You're going against the biggest guys on the other team. Sometimes you're double teamed. All you've got to do is try your best and make a pile," Gray said. "Be the bowling ball in the middle of the field."

Senior slot receiver and return specialist River Duffy, who moved to Cape Elizabeth as a sophomore, has noticed a sustained shift in team culture.

"Energy doesn't start today. Energy doesn't start right when the season starts. Energy started when the whole team was out here every day in the summer," Duffy said.

His teammates regard Duffy as the team's top player. He spent his middle school and early high school years in Twin Falls, Idaho, playing 5A football with roughly 3,000 students.

"They take football serious over there, and I'm looking to bring that to Cape Elizabeth, too," Duffy said.

Senior defensive back and wide receiver Logan Knightly echoed the sentiment that the summer preparations have been different.

"Just even in the summer we had more people showing up for summer workouts and stuff," Knightly said. "It feels way different."

Bachelder has implemented what he calls Cape Elizabeth football's seven pillars: purpose, integrity, learning, leadership, accountability, resilience, and service. The philosophy emphasizes structure while leaving room for enjoyment of the game.

The coaching staff received a significant boost with the addition of Mike Brown, who moved to Maine two years ago after 16 years of coaching at various levels in Colorado. Brown specializes in breaking down and communicating fundamental skills, and Bachelder has been meeting with him extensively.

"I'm taking with Coach Brown every day, probably two, three times longer than our practice time," Bachelder said.

The team's roster also benefits from players relatively new to the program. Cal Day, who transferred from Deering High last year but couldn't play football due to timing of the school switch, provides additional size at tight end and defensive end. Bachelder expects him to be a positive addition.

Summer activities provided early indicators of progress. Cape Elizabeth didn't lose any of its 5-on-5 scrimmages during the offseason.

"The confidence builds," Bachelder said.

The program has previous championship history, having won the Class C title in 11-man football in 2021. Now, with a new coach, a senior-laden roster, and increased participation, the Capers are aiming to translate summer momentum into regular-season success.

Duffy is already antsy for the team's Saturday scrimmage against Maranacook, the first opportunity to test preparations against another opponent.