HEBRON — The Wells Warriors made a dominant run to a state championship last fall. The trio of QB/DB Paul McDonough, RB/LB Louis DiTomasso and TE/DE Josh Ingalls was a big reason why.

The three stars will get to relive the glory of winning the gold ball one more time on Saturday, as they finish their high school careers in the 23rd annual Lobster Bowl at Waterhouse Field in Biddeford.

The Warriors proved to be unstoppable last season, going 12-0 en route to the school’s second Class B state championship, and first since 1997. Even injuries couldn’t stop some of Wells’ key players, as McDonough fought through a foot ailment that required surgery, and Ingalls continued to play in the title game after tearing his medial collateral ligament. Alas, injuries may rob the two of playing alongside DiTomasso on Saturday, but the boys are still holding out hope.

“I’m not going to be full strength, obviously, but I think I’ll be playing,” said McDonough. “I’m pretty sore right now. I wasn’t really expecting to be playing this Saturday, but I’m going to give it my best.”

Even if DiTomasso is the lone Warrior in pads, the Lobster Bowl will be a reward for the hard work the three players put into a high school career that ended on the highest of high notes.

“It was a huge relief, honestly,” DiTomasso said of winning the championship. “We had been working for it for three or four years now, and everything paid off.”

For DiTomasso, it’s been a dream career, albeit an unexpected one. A state champion and a Fitzpatrick Trophy finalist, and now playing in the Lobster Bowl. He couldn’t have scripted it any better.

“To be honest, I didn’t (think it would all happen), but I’m glad it did happen that way. I have no regrets, and it was a fun time,” DiTomasso said.

Ingalls said he had a similar feeling when reflecting on what he and his teammates accomplished.

“Back in pee wee, you all hope that when you become seniors you win a state championship, and then get to be honored in this type of game. It’s just like a dream come true,” said Ingalls.

For McDonough, playing in the Lobster Bowl is a big deal. Being a part of the event has been a goal of his for some time.

“I used to always go to the Lobster Bowl games as a kid, and as a freshman and sophomore, watching the other kids on our team play,” said McDonough. “I always wanted to play, so its an honor to be a part of it.”

Adding to the sweetness of playing in the game is that the trio will have their coach on the sidelines with them. Wells head coach Tim Roche is an assistant for the West team this year, adding to the contingent from title town.

The game will also be bittersweet for the three players, as reality will sink in as the game clock winds down.

“I love playing with those two kids, and it’s going to be the last game we ever play with each other. So, it’s going to be fun,” said McDonough

McDonough, DiTomasso and Ingalls said they are all happy and honored to be part of the game on Saturday, but they still have one thing left to accomplish. Just like last fall, they all expect to win. One more victory before they close the book on what was a brilliant career that they and the town of Wells will not soon forget.

— Contact Wil Kramlich at 282-1535, Ext. 323.