READFIELD -- Joe Emery is a few years removed from his high school playing days, but he remembers what winning football is all about.

Emery was recently hired as head football coach at Maranacook Community High School, where he served as freshman coach last season. He replaces Kevin Norwood, who resigned after two years on the job due to increased work obligations.

Prior to coaching the freshman team, Emery worked for four years in the junior program. He played high school football under Ray Caldwell at Mt. Blue as a center and defensive end. The Cougars lost to Winslow in the 1982 Class B state championship game during Emery's junior year, but they made a greater habit of winning.

"We never lost a home game in (my) three (varsity) years in high school," Emery said.

Emery said he's derived a lot of his coaching philosophy from former Mt. Blue defensive coordinator and wrestling coach Tom Ward.

"I liked his demeanor, discipline, hard work, teaching the fundamentals," he said.

The Black Bears went 1-7 in the Class B division of the Pine Tree Conference and graduated several senior, but Emery said the programs in good shape.

"We have a really good youth program," he said. "I think the kids coming up will really start showing up on the field."

Emery expects a slight drop in the number of players, to around 45-50, but said that will be compensated by Maranacook's drop to Class C this season.

"Actually we'll probably have more kids than some of the teams we play," he said. "The kids we do have are good. The sophomore class is really strong."

Emery, 43, works as a commercial plumber for a Scarborough company, but he plans on devoting plenty of time to the football program.

Maranacook athletic director Al MacGregor cited his experience with the kids as a factor in his hiring.

"He's familiar with the program and boys coming up," MacGregor said. "He's got a boy who will be a sophomore and one in middle school."

There's added excitement surrounding the program this season since the Black Bears will play under the lights at home for the first time and are adding new bleachers. They open the season Sept. 4 at home against Traip Academy.

Gary Hawkins -- 621-5638

ghawkins@centralmaine.com