HEBRON — Sanford High School graduate Alex Shain helped carry his Spartan team to the Class A West playoffs last fall, and with it came the recognition of being one of the state’s best at the running back position. Shain will reap one last reward from his stellar senior season on Saturday when he plays in the 24th Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl at Waterhouse Field in Biddeford.
“I’m excited. There’s some great players, and it’s nice to finally be on the same team as them, and not playing against them,” said Shain.
Although Shain will be on the same team as many of his opponents from the past season, he will still be competing with them, trying to catch the eye of West team head coach Steve Stinson and his coaching staff.
“You’re always competing in practice. I’m sharing time with (Cordero Aldecoa) from Traip and Donald Goodrich. He won the Fitzpatrick, he’s a great running back,” said Shain.
Shain rushed for 1,426 yards and scored 28 touchdowns as a senior, which earned him a spot as a Fitzpatrick Trophy finalist, but he lost out on the award to the aforementioned Goodrich. Although the former Cheverus standout beat Shain both on the field and in the trophy race this year, Shain said there is no animosity between them.
“We roomed at the Boston College camp last year, and we’re rooming again this year. We’re friends,” said Shain. “There’s that unknown tension between us, but it’s not really there. Yeah, he beat me. It’s not a really big deal. He’s a great guy, and he’s a great athlete.”
Now, Shain and Goodrich will be working together, trying to secure an 18th victory for the West team. Blocking for the two stars will be an all-star line, which has Shain excited.
“It’s going to be cool. All these linemen are insane,” said Shain. “You get the best people from each team. I feel like we have a really good team.”
Shain showed the SMAA how good he is last season, and before he heads off to Assumption College in Worcester, Mass. this fall, he has a chance to show the rest of the state that same talent. Shain said he’s glad he gets one more chance to show how good he is ”“ and was ”“ on the high school gridiron.
“It’s nice for all the hard work to pay off ”¦ and get a chance to play one last time in high school,” said Shain. “I’m going to miss it. I’m going to miss high school football. It’s brought so many great memories, and I’ve met so many great people.”
— Staff Writer Wil Kramlich can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 323.
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