Video: Three Firecracker teams claim AAU state titles

Club finishes with 20-5 record during the weekend of play

2016 State Championships Highlight Video

Three Maine Firecracker teams claimed AAU State Championships on Sunday at the University of Southern Maine. Overall, the six teams entered finished with a 20-5 record (.800) during the weekend of play.

The ninth-grade Firecrackers went 2-0 in pool play before knocking off Blue Wave, 57-17, in the first round of bracket play. In the championship game, coach David Cousin’s freshman defeated Seacoast Thunder, 52-47.

A deep and talented eighth-grade squad, coached by Brian Clement, also finished 2-0 in pool play. The eighth-graders won three straight games in bracket play, including a 56-28 win over Blue Wave to become tournament champions.

The fourth-grade Firecrackers won their third tournament championship of the season by besting Blue Wave, 21-14, in the last game of the day at USM. Coach Chris Fitzpatrick’s young team also won the Northern New England Championships and the State Amateur Championship earlier in the spring.

The fifth-grade Firecrackers finished as runners-up, falling to Black Bear North in the championship game, 22-12, in their third game of the day. The Firecrackers earned an emotional, 51-40, win over Northern Maine Freeze earlier in the morning.

More to follow.