Well, folks, it’s that time and that column.

This is my final week as a sports writer for the Journal Tribune. You don’t have to worry, it’s not bad news. Starting next week, I’ll be a sports copy editor for the Kennebec Journal/Morning Sentinel in Augusta.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my nearly three-year stint at the Journal Tribune. I have had the opportunity to cover some excellent teams and excellent games, moments that will have a place in my memory for some time. Covering sports in York County meant a lot to me, because, well, I’m from here. In my early childhood, I lived in both Biddeford and Saco before moving to Waterboro in 1993. By the age of 5, I already knew all about the Biddeford/Thornton Academy rivalry.

If I had a big game while I was attending Massabesic High School, I picked up the Journal Tribune the following day to see if my name was in the paper. To have the chance, a mere five years after graduating high school, to return and cover my home area’s sports teams, has meant the world to me.

I decided to spend my last column, as most do, with a reflection on my favorite moments working at the paper. Before I do, I would like to first thank my coworkers at the Journal, with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working. They’ve helped me in more ways than I can count, and I’ll never forget it. To the coaches and players all over Southern Maine, who took the time to speak with me after every win, or loss, I thank you for all your time and your insight. York County is a great area for sports, and more people should keep a keen interest on what goes on in the sports world of these schools.

Last, but not least, you the reader. It’s been a privilege to bring you information during my time here. Your compliments (and occasional criticisms) meant a lot. I hope you were both informed, and even a little entertained, as that was my goal each and every time I got in front of the computer to write a story. Thank you.

I’ve seen enough great moments in my time here to fill a Top 10 list, but these five moments will undoubtedly stay in my memory for a long period of time, not only for their places in history, but for the personal experience as well.

Working our way up to No. 1, let’s begin:

No. 5 ”“ The Biddeford baseball team makes its run toward a state title: In 2010, the Tigers, who everybody felt was a playoff team but nothing more, made an improbable run to the Maine Class A state championship game. While Biddeford had a legitimate No. 1 starting pitcher in Trevor Fleurent, the success of the Tigers was largely team-based. In any given contest, someone in the lineup could play the hero. It was an egoless team run by Casey Roy that simply loved the game of baseball, and it showed each time they took the field. Though the Tigers lost 1-0 to Oxford Hills in the state title game, they were the first Class A York County team since 2002 to play in there, and the Tigers’ run made for one enjoyable spring.

No. 4 ”“ The Battle of the Bridge game: There’s no one particular favorite from the three I covered, just the game itself is a marvel to watch. For those who like to openly gripe about how the rivalry between the Tigers and Golden Trojans isn’t what it once was, I take you back to the night of Oct. 23, 2010, when Biddeford beat Thornton 27-22 in front of 4,000 fans at Waterhouse Field. It was the first win by the Tigers in the rivalry in five years. The game itself, and the emotion of the coaches, players and fans from that contest show the rivalry, well over 100 years old, is still as strong as ever.

No. 3 ”“ Eddie Warren makes extra point at Lobster Bowl: The Lobster Bowl, held annually at Waterhouse Field, is a glorified exhibition game, pitting the best Maine high school football players against each other. But it’s more than that, as the money raised goes to the Shriners Hospitals around the country, which treat children with orthopedic and burn injuries. One such case was that of Sacopee Valley’s Eddie Warren, who had both legs amputated below the knee as a child and was treated at a Shriners hospital. Warren was selected to the West squad as a kicker, and he did not disappoint. After a touchdown, the West was penalized 15 yards for excessive celebration, then an extra five yards for a false start, making Warren’s extra-point a 40-yard try. He nailed it, making for one of the greatest stories ever in Maine high school football history.

No. 2 ”“ Wells wins state football title: As a football fan above all else, covering a team that won a state championship in football was always a hope of mine, and Wells answered that last fall. The Warriors had quite possibly the best defense in the state, led by linebacker Louis DiTomasso. But I will always remember the Class B title game against Leavitt, and the performance of two players who fought through pain to deliver a title. Quarterback Paul McDonough had an injured foot, one which required surgery immediately following the game, and not only led the Warriors offense, but leapt over a defender in the process, as if nothing were ever wrong with it. Josh Ingalls played an entire half with a torn ligament in his knee, providing blocking as a tight end on offense and pressure as a defensive end to keep Wells in the contest. The Warriors pulled off a 21-13 victory to cap a memorable season.

No. 1 ”“ Covering the New England Patriots home games: It’s the question I get most often. How cool is it to go to a Patriots game and cover it? Well, I can’t lie, it is pretty cool. I’ve had fun experiences in Foxborough, Mass. I’ve had the chance to ask questions to guys like Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, Tim Tebow and Eli Manning. Though you must act professional, there’s still a surge of adrenaline that goes through you during those moments, each and every time. For a kid from Waterboro who grew up on the National Football League, it was a dream come true, and it’s what I’ll miss the most. I hope to do it again someday down the line.

— Contact Dave Dyer at 282-1535, Ext. 323.