BIDDEFORD — One quarterback dominated through the air, another on the ground, and together helped the West end a two-game Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl losing streak Saturday night with a 45-21 victory against the East at Waterhouse Field.
Noah Nelson of Falmouth passed for four touchdowns, and Zach Dubiel of Bonny Eagle ran for more than 100 yards and a touchdown for the West, which took a quick lead and never was threatened.
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The West won its 18th game in the 26-year history of the series, but the East had not only won the last two but four of the last six.
Nelson put on a passing show, particularly in the first half when he connected on 9 of 13 passes for 198 yards.
“I had never run a spread offense before,” said Nelson, who finished with 265 yards on 14-of-22 passing.
“I did mostly a play-action offense in high school. Zach Dubiel helped me a lot with running the spread during the week (of practice). The line really did a great job giving me time to throw. There was a lot of talent up front from all the classes.”
Although Nelson and Dubiel had their strengths, they were far from limited. Nelson also rushed for 50 yards and Dubiel, although rarely passing, certainly had proven at Bonny Eagle that he had the ability, especially in 2013 when he led the Scots to the Class A state championship.
Nelson’s running was particularly impressive because he had limited ability all last season with bone chips in his left knee that forced him to wear a brace. He underwent surgery after the season.
Nelson’s next task will be to help rejuvenate the program at Bowdoin College, which has a new coach in JB Wells.
After stopping the East on downs in the opening series, Nelson needed only two passes to find the end zone, hitting Matt Vigue of Spruce Mountain behind the secondary on a 71-yard play.
Nelson threw his second touchdown pass – the first of two to Gabe Seeley of Leavitt – in the final seconds of the first quarter.
Nelson showed his running ability last in the first half, scampering 13 yards to the 3. Alex Mace of Oak Hill scored a couple of plays later.
The West punted only once – a further indication of its dominance.
The East showed offensive life when it inserted Matt Stewart of Bucksport at quarterback. His 27-yard scoring pass to Tayler Carrier of Cony – who was named the MVP for his team – in the second quarter was the first score for the East.
But Nelson answered with a 9-yard pass to Seeley.
The West held East running backs Joe Fitzpatrick of Cheverus and Dylan Hapworth of Winslow in check. Hapworth’s punting was a highlight for the East.
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