SACO – The West’s defense set the tone. And then the offense set a Lobster Bowl scoring record. 

The West capitalized on an early turnover and rolled to a 60-14 win over the East at the 30th Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic on a scorching Saturday evening at Thornton Academy. 

“We felt all week that we had a really special squad – possibly one of the best ever,” said Wells running back Tyler Bridge. “Right off the bat, we showed it.” 

Bridge, the winner of last season’s Fitzpatrick Trophy, finished with a 113 rushing yards and three touchdowns. His first score came from 36 yards out on the West’s first offensive play from scrimmage. Bridge’s second touchdown with just over three minutes left in the second gave the West a 42-14 advantage.  

The West scored on their first seven possessions on their way to breaking the Lobster Bowl scoring record of 58 that the East set in 1996. The previous high mark for the West was 55 in 2017. 

Temperatures on the field registered around 100 degrees at kickoff, which was pushed back to 90 minutes for a 5:30 p.m. start. The quarters were also reduced by three minutes as a safety measure. 

West coach Bill County of Leavitt High said the heat altered the gameplan, especially at its hottest in the first half, as they elected to stay away from their hurry-up offense. The team had only five offensive linemen – Chase LaMontagne of Kennebunk, Morgan Welch-Thompson of Wells, Aidan McGlone of Bonny Eagle and Marshwood’s Drew Gregor and Adam Doyon – and each had to play the entire game. 

“I think these offensive linemen kind of took it as a challenge,” County said. “They really developed a family thing.” 

Biddeford High’s Carter Edgerton threw for three touchdowns and 168 yards. An 11-yard fade pass to Zack Sullivan of Kennebunk in the right corner of the endzone put the West up 38-6. Sullivan and Edgerton connected on a 31-yard completion earlier on the drive.  

“I knew that I had talented receivers … I think we just came together really well,” Edgerton said. “When you have a bunch of guys who are captains and leaders on their football teams, it makes for a pretty easy week.” 

Thornton Academy’s Anthony Bracamonte scored on a 44-yard touchdown reception in the second and was named the West’s offensive MVP. Offensive coordinator Spencer Emmerson of Poland used Bracamonte as a decoy in the first quarter but called the standout’s number on several occasions in the second to help the West march down the field and take a four-touchdown lead. 

At halftime, the scoreboard read 48-14. 

West quarterback Tommy Springer of Marshwood threw for two touchdowns. Running back Will Whyte of Bonny Eagle, wide receiver Matt Conley of Cape Elizabeth and wide receiver Caleb Treadwell of Oak Hill also found the endzone for the West. 

“It was so much fun,” Bracamonte said. “The defense, as you can see by the score, didn’t have an answer … (We) just wanted to prove that the West is better than the East. I think we did that.” 

While the offense was on its way to setting the scoring record, the West defense held down a potent East roster. 

Linebacker Dante DeLorenzo of Kennebunk recovered a fumble on the East’s first offensive possession to set up Bridge’s first touchdown. The West forced three turnovers in all and didn’t allow a point in the second half. 

County credited his players’ intelligence and the preparation of Emmerson and defensive coordinator Mike Marsten of Leavitt as the two main reasons his team cruised to a win. 

“These kids are really smart,” he said. “They’ve been the best at what they do so they enjoy a challenge … It was one of the best weeks I’ve ever had.” 

Edgerton, who chose not to play football at the college level, took a few minutes after the game to take some pictures and soak in his final time on the gridiron. 

“I don’t know when it will set it but it was great working with these guys for my last game,” he said. “It was such a memory and I wouldn’t want to go out any other way.”

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