Epping-Newmarket hires Francoeur
Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com
Ryan Francoeur's task is clear: Elevate the Epping-Newmarket football program.
Francoeur, who has spent the last six seasons as an assistant coach at Winnacunnet High School, was hired as Epping-Newmarket's head coach last week. He'll be taking over a program that gained varsity status in 2004, but has never won more than four games in a season.
"I'm a pretty ambitious guy," Francoeur said. "I always wanted to be a head coach. I didn't want to let this opportunity pass by. I think I'm ready."
Rich McFadden, who had served as Epping's head coach since 2004, resigned in March to become head coach of the New England Hawks, a semipro team that competes in the New England Football League. Epping and Newmarket formed a co-op program after the 2007 season.
Epping posted a 22-6 victory over Gilford in its first varsity game, but is still seeking its first playoff berth. The Blue Devils finished 2-7 in 2004, 4-5 in 2005, 1-8 in 2006, 2-8 in 2007 and 1-8 in 2008.
Francoeur, 29, played for current Spaulding head coach Jim Keays at Somersworth High School. He spent one year as an assistant coach at Noble High School in North Berwick, Maine, before joining the Winnacunnet staff. He has served as Winnacunnet junior varsity head coach for the last three years.
According to Epping athletic director Larry Averill, seven people applied for the position. He said Newmarket athletic director Jamie Hayes was also involved in the interview process.
"We sent out a letter to the seven candidates telling them the state of our program and what we were looking for," Averill explained. "Three of the seven responded. One of the things we wanted to know was how the coach was going to generate interest from Newmarket in our program."
Francoeur said in addition to strengthening the youth program in Epping, he'd like to see a youth program formed in Newmarket.
"Ryan is young and energetic" Averill said. "People spoke highly of him."
