Houlton senior Jacob Drew has been chosen to participate in the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic all-star football game.
The 26th annual game will be played on July 18 at Waterhouse Field in Biddeford. Kick-off is at 6 p.m.
“Being chosen was one of the highest honors I could have received for high school football,” Drew said.
His coach Brian Reynolds agrees.
“I think he is very deserving of the selection,” said Reynolds. “He will be a fine representative not only for Houlton football, but for his family, his school and the Shiretown as a whole. He is a fine young man and an outstanding football player.”
Drew will be playing defensive back during the all-star game. One of the requirements is that Drew raise money to help the Shrine Hospitals for children. The game is sponsored by the Kora Shrine and 100 percent of the net proceeds of the game go to benefit 22 Shrine Hospitals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“The Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Game has been created to raise money and to help make the public aware of the expert orthopedic and burn care facilities available, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay, to children who desperately need this specialized care,” noted the press release for the game.
Drew is taking donations and visiting businesses for sponsorship. Anyone interested in supporting Drew may send money through the Anah Shriners web site or to 11 Sabattus St., Lewiston, Maine 04240.
“He embodies what the game is about, providing service to those in need,” said Reynolds. “He has been busy fundraising for the game. I would like to not only congratulate Jake, but Ben and Jill for raising such a fine young man.”
Drew is the first-ever player from Houlton to be selected to this prestigious game. He was selected through a “rigorous process,” said Reynolds. The selection is based on academics, as well as civic responsibility. Student-athletes are high school seniors who have just graduated and are about to enter college. They are nominated to play in this game by their coaches and selected by a committee from the Maine Athletics Association.
The game matches the East versus the West and brings more than 160 student-athletes and coaches from across the state together to produce what is considered the “premier high school sporting event” held in Maine.
According to the game’s press release, “All participants commit to a week-long training camp where they make new friends, but more importantly, learn why we play the game … so ‘Strong Legs Run … So that Weak Legs May Walk.’”
Last season, Drew was named to the First Team Little Ten Conference Offensive Selection at running back, with 1,250 yards and 15 touch downs, and to the Second Team LTC Defensive selection at linebacker.
