Children and athletes both were winners at the Shriner’s Lobster Bowl by Matt Pascarella

The 29^th Maine Shriner Lobster Bowl Classic Football Game was played at Thornton Academy on Saturday, July 21. High school seniors from all over the state competed in this East versus West game.

Nate Watson and Tanner Bernier

Windham’s own Tanner Bernier and Nate Watson were on the East roster and represented the town very well. Both Bernier and Watson were nominated by varsity football Coach Matt Perkins and were selected by a committee from the Maine Athletics Association.

The student athletes, who usually compete against each other, participated in a week-long training camp where they got to know each other.

It took some getting used to, explained Bernier and Watson. Both stated that it took some adjusting as to how they would play, since they usually compete with others who were now team mates. Both Bernier and Watson stated that they set aside their differences and came together as a team. “There was a lot of comradery and it turned out great,” they agreed.

The field was packed with fans, friends and family showing support for these athletes. Both the East and West teams came out ready to give 100 percent on the field. The East was playing excellent offense and defense, scoring once in the first half and stopping several scoring opportunities for the West.

Half: 6-0, East

The East doubled up on enthusiasm in the second half, scoring two touchdowns in the third quarter along with a 2-point conversion. While West did score twice in the second half, the East kept up the intensity scoring three touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Final: 40-14, East

Both Watson and Bernier were proud to have been picked to play.

“It was an absolute honor to be picked by Coach Perkins and to give back to the kids,” said Bernier who had been coming to the Lobster Bowl for ten years.

“It was a great, great time to play football and I’m thankful I got to do that. It was an honor and I felt proud to represent my team and my school,” added Watson.

One hundred percent of the proceeds raised from the game support the 22 Shriner Hospitals for children across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.