Getting his twin brother Jake to join him at Maine Maritime Academy was the easiest sale Josh Doolan ever made.
“Throughout the year, it was the first time for quite some time we’d been apart,” Josh said. “I was looking out for my brother.”
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The Doolan File
• High school: Lawrence
• Major: Josh — International Business and Logistics; Jake — International Business and Logistics
• Stats: Josh — 6 carries, 67 yards; Jake — 11 carries, 97 yards, 1 catch, 10 yards
Since transferring from the University of Maine to Maine Maritime, Jake Doolan has joined his brother in the Mariners’ offensive backfield. One game into their reunion, the Doolans are proving to be strong weapons for MMA, just as they were for Lawrence High School.
“They’re winners. They come from a strong program,” MMA head coach Chris McKenney said. “They come to practice with great focus. I’m looking at them to continue to improve.”
On Saturday, the Mariners opened the season with a 42-12 win at Anna Maria. Jake had 11 carries for 97 yards and a touchdown, and also caught a 10-yard touchdown pass. Josh had six carries for 67 yards.
The decision to transfer from Maine to MMA was made in part to play football with his brother again, and in part because of academics, Jake Doolan said.
“I knew I missed football, and I wanted to do what’s best for my future,” Jake said. “I thought the (2012) state game against Thornton was going to be the last time we played football together. It’s nice to have three more years with him.”
Josh Doolan had a solid freshman season for the Mariners in 2013, finishing the season with 49 carries for 324 yards and a touchdown. A year away from football didn’t hurt Jake, who followed a tough workout regimen in anticipation of returning to football this fall.
“I don’t feel like a year off hurt me,” Jake said.
“Josh played a number of games last year. Jake’s picked it up pretty quickly,” McKenney said. “Together, they’ve gotten off to a great start.”
The Doolan brothers’ speed is well-suited for MMA’s triple option offense. In Saturday’s win, each broke at least one long run. Jake’s longest gain went for 38 yards, while Josh had a long carry of 52. McKenney said each is working hard, particularly at blocking.
“The triple option is a lot different than what we were used to in high school. You have to be very patient at running back,” Josh said. “You keep on grinding, so big plays come.”
“I’m not the biggest guy, but I’ve been delivering some hits,” Jake said. “I’m not afraid to lower my shoulder.”
On Saturday, the Mariners play at Massachusetts Maritime in the 42nd annual Admiral’s Cup game. The Mariners open New England Football Conference play on Sept. 27 at home against Western New England.
“Our team unity has increased tremendously,” Josh said. “We feel like we can do what we need to to win games.”
Travis Lazarczyk — 861-9242
Twitter: @TLazarczykMTM
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