They call it the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic and Saturday’s 20th version of the mid-summer football showdown more than lived up to the “classic” moniker.

The West team couldn’t hold an early 10-0 advantage, nor a late 16-10 lead and dropped an agonizing 17-16 decision when Edward Little’s Sean Daigle caught a contested pass from Edward Little quarterback Cody Goddard in the final minute.

The West, which boasted Cape Elizabeth linebacker Matt Weiss, Cheverus defensive back Anthony DiPhillipo, Deering linebacker Ernesto Salamone, Falmouth running back Sam Dunwoody, Greely tight end Chris Higgins, Scarborough defensive lineman William Gorman and offensive lineman Brian Woodbury and South Portland defensive lineman Matt Hebert, jumped out to an early lead thanks to a 71-yard TD run from Bonny Eagle’s Nate Doehler, the reigning Fitzpatrick Trophy winner, and a 32-yard field goal from Doehler (who was named the game’s Most Valuable Player), to make it 10-0 at the half.

The East, whose roster included Morse offensive lineman Carl Nygaard and Mt. Ararat defensive back Michael Rinaldi, rallied on a Goddard-to-Billy Clark of Skowhegan 26-yard TD pass and a 30-yard field goal from Winslow’s Scott Sivinski to draw even.

After the West went back on top 16-10 on a Doehler 5-yard run (he missed the ensuing point-after), the East responded and drove for the game-winner.

The West leads the all-time series, 15-5.

The first day of practice for the 2009 high school football season is Aug. 17. The first countable game kicks off Friday, Sept. 4.

Mt. Ararat’s Michael Rinaldi provided defensive coverage for the East during its 17-16, come-from-behind victory in Saturday’s Lobster Bowl.
Carl Nygaard, a former Morse player, provided protection for his quarterback during Saturday’s game.

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