SACO, Maine — Houlton’s Austin Brown was not sure what to expect when he was selected to play football in the 28th annual Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic. After all, he had not donned a football uniform since the Shires season ended last fall.
But that did not stop the 2017 Houlton High School graduate from having a blast on the gridiron. Brown represented the Shires on the East squad, which was defeated, 55-18, by the West team at Thornton Academy’s Hill Stadium on Saturday, July 15.
“It was awesome to play in The Shrine Bowl,” Brown said. “Especially having a big crowd like we did. It wasn’t strange at all. Those guys are like my brothers now.”
Brown spent an entire week in the Saco area practicing with the team. He played free safety and returned kicks during the game. He had two assisted tackles for the East squad.
“Spending a whole week with them, practicing with them, eating with them, and hanging out with them everyday I really got to know them,” he said.
Participating players raise money for the Shriners’ Childrens Hospital. Brown was able to collect $485 for the cause. His total was one of the higher amounts collected by an individual player on the East squad.
“Raising that money was important to me, because that money is going to kids who need it,” he said.
Brown is the third Shire player to be selected for the Lobster Bowl. Two years ago, Jake Drew was selected, while last year Garrett Ring was selected.
Brown received a full scholarship to attend Bridgton Academy, a college preparatory school, where he will play football this fall.
“Austin is a hard worker that had overcame a lot on and off the field to became a league all star on offense and defense,” said Jon Solomon, assistant coach for the Houlton football team. “He’s a quality young man that represented Houlton football and the community the right way. It was truly an honor to coach him.”
