SACO — With the 2018 Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic just one day away, there is a buzz of excitement spilling out of the all-star players selected for the game. This group of high school seniors is ready to get back on the field for one last time. While their classmates’ are busy enjoying the summer, these high school football players are having their own type of fun.
For the past week, they have been having team practices held at Foxcroft Academy to get ready for the East vs. West showdown.
Wells standout Nolan Potter has been embracing every moment.
“It’s going great … it’s been super fun,” said Potter. “We have done triple sessions every day for training. The coaches have been really clear describing what we have to do with the East offense.”
Potter, who played fullback and linebacker at Wells, will be suiting up for the West defense on Saturday.
In its 29th year, the Lobster Bowl has been a way to culminate the year of high school sports while giving back to a great cause. All proceeds go to helping the children that are cared for by Shriner’s Hospital. The mission is to use sports as a way to bring awareness to a great cause. Being selected for the game comes with the task of raising a minimum of $500 for Shriner’s — and this group has been up for that task.
“We had someone from Shriner’s talk to us in the initial meeting and we really took that to heart and made it a goal of ours,” said Thornton Academy’s Jack Webb.
For Potter, the game’s affiliation to Shriner’s has a deeper connection to his family and that has made the fundraising aspect fulfilling.
“Back when my mom was a little kid she burned herself pretty bad on a coffee pot and Shriner’s actually treated her for her injuries,” said Potter. “Now I get to play in the game and raise money for her. It’s kind of cool to give back because they were so great to her and tons of other kids as well.”
The fundraising effort of Potter and the other players has made for one of the most lucrative years for Shriner’s.
“We got really pumped up because they said that we were one of the best fundraising groups they have had in a while,” said Webb.
Between the football practices and just the anticipation for the game, the former opponents are experiencing what it feels like to be teammates.
“Hanging out with these guys that we have played against or read about is actually insane,” said Webb.
Potter agreed.
“We have gotten so much closer as a team and I cant wait to play with these guys on Saturday,” said Potter.
For Potter, who will be continuing to his football career at Bates College this fall, he has even had the chance to get to know some of his future teammates.
“It has given me a couple other college friends before I get up there, which is nice,” said Potter.
This group of guys has a lot in common from playing Maine high school football for the last couple years. Their competitive spirit has been on display leading up to the East vs. West clash.
“Its crazy. All the guys are here because they love the game,” said Webb.
Potter mentioned that the guys have been trading memories with each other while they are together off the field.
“We have been sharing war stories and we are seeing each other’s personalities come out. We have been doing everything together,” said Potter.
For each player, this is chance to put on the pads one more time. Potter appreciates that part of the game.
“Getting to put on the Wells uniform was like my last time and I was sad because I wasn’t really done with high school yet, even though I am playing college football,” said Potter. “This game is really giving me the chance to get one more game before college and it has been a great transition.”
On Saturday, Webb mentioned that he would be a little more emotional, since the game is being hosted at Thornton.
“We were thinking we were never going to play there again and to have the last game we play ever in high school sports to be back at TA on the home sideline — it is going to be crazy,” said Webb.
There is a lot of emotion for the Webb family too.
“I know my family is happy to sit at the 50 yard line, where they have been for four years, one last time,” said Webb.
With so much excitement leading up to the game, there is no doubt there will be a big crowd on hand for the Lobster Bowl.
“Everyone’s communities really get into it. It’s been a state-wide thing bringing everyone together for a great charity,” said Potter.
As these players’ high school careers come to a close Saturday, they are nothing but thankful for the opportunity to participate in the annual event.
“I have come to watch this game for years with my family. Just to play is amazing,” said Potter.
Webb, who will play football at Sacred Heart University this fall, sees it as a chance to perform for TA one more time.
“I always thought I was really lucky to grow up in the Saco community and play in the maroon and gold,” said Webb. “To show out for the TA community one more time, it is going to be unreal.”
— Sports Writer Brandon Eckles can be reached at beckles@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.