The 34th Annual Lobster Bowl, the East-West All Star Football Game, took place on July 20 at Don Roux Field at Lewiston High School, following the 19th annual golf tournament and awards banquet.
Since 1990 the Maine Lobster Bowl Classic has become one of the most anticipated events of the year in Maine. 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 team event.
Two recent grads were chosen for this year’s team and represented GHS; Izak Young (defensive back/special teams) selected for the West All-Star Team and Chloe Blanchard for the West Cheer Team roster. It was an especially great day for the Gorham crew, including GHS Varsity Coach Sam Morrison. According to Coach Morrison, Young had a particularly terrific performance playing all over the field both on defense and on special teams, in a big win for the West. Young and Blanchard also received much deserved awards. Young won the West Citizen-Soldier Servant leadership award and Blanchard was the winner of the Cheerleader Sportsmanship Award for the West team. Much deserving as these athletes exemplify integrity on and off the field with their selfless play, tireless enthusiasm, and unwavering respect for their teammates and coaches.
Invitations for the prestigious event are sent out early in the year in preparation for raising money for the Shriners Children’s Hospital. A very athletic group gathered, and the excited atmosphere and energy did not disappoint again this year. Plus some of the best “year-round” varsity football coaches spend more than a week of intense practices and team-building preparing their respective teams. This year, both teams raised a significant amount of money for the Shriners children’s hospitals. In addition to raising $206,000, this year’s game was a ton of fun to watch with plenty of action, especially for West. The West improved its all-time record to 22-11 with a 49-18 win.
The event was once again an incredible success, creating long-lasting friendships and memories for all the athletes. The players, coaches, and fans all look forward to it every year, and it has become a true tradition in the state of Maine. Congratulations to Young and Blanchard for all their hard work and success this year and representing the community in a big way.