The 33rd annual Lobster Bowl, the East-West All-Star Football Game took place at Don Roux Field at Lewiston High School on July 15. A very athletic group gathered and the excited atmosphere and energy did not disappoint again this year. Two recent grads represented GHS; Hayden Battaglia (offensive lineman) selected for the West All-Star Team and Morgan Cole for the West Cheer Team roster.

This event is special and the platform of this event provides players to come together from across the state to play together for a great cause. Over 140 All-Star football players and cheerleaders from over 60 high school programs across Maine are nominated as high school seniors and selected by the Maine Football Coaches Association to participate in this prestigious event. Since 1990 athlete fundraising (from the Lobster Bowl Classic) has provided Shriner’s Children’s Hospitals with donations of nearly $750,000.

Each player has the opportunity to raise money for the Shriners through their own donation sites. In addition to the game day event, there is an awards banquet and also a golf tournament open to the public on a different weekend separate from the banquet and game day. The golf tournament is in its 18th season.

Battaglia (GHS ‘23) was selected for his outstanding play and leadership skills as a member of the Gorham Varsity Football program. Battaglia was part of a squad of 49 players chosen from all of western Maine area high schools in all classes v. 49 players out of the east. In addition to the players, cheerleaders are also part of the much-anticipated event for High School athletes. Congratulations to Battaglia and Cole for representing Gorham in this big event.