HEBRON — It’s a common theme heard throughout both rosters at Lobster Bowl media day, that every player wants to “win one more game.” With just four teams winning state championships out of nearly 80 teams in the state, the majority of players on both the East and West rosters didn’t win their last game of the season last fall.
For the three Kennebunk players on the West roster, that “one more win” means both redemption and conclusion.
The Rams nearly won their final game ”“ the Class B state title game ”“ but instead were front and center for a miraculous, last-minute Cony win. The core of that team won a middle school championship, and nearly upset state champion Thornton Academy in the playoffs in 2012, so wins were the norm for the group.
For classmates and friends Nicco DeLorenzo, Larson Coppinger and Nick Emmons, Saturday’s Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl will be a chance for another win together ”“ and to end their high school careers on a victorious note.
“It’s exciting to get one more chance to suit up with these guys, and under my coach’s reign, and hopefully come out with a W for this last game,” said DeLorenzo.
“We’ve played together for a long time, and this is the best way to end it really,” added Coppinger.
The game will also have some added meaning for the Rams trio, as they will be coached by Kennebunk head coach Joe Rafferty one last time, as he is leading the West coaching staff.
“He had a great season this year,” Emmons said of Rafferty. “He brought us all together, talent-wise, and he’s a great coach.”
All three players will play on the offensive side of the ball, which is no surprise, as they led a dynamic Kennebunk offense last fall. DeLorenzo called the quarterback-receiver tandem of Emmons and Coppinger “one of the best hook-ups in the state,” while DeLorenzo himself was a beast of a running back who was named Journal Tribune Football Player of the Year last fall.
“Trust,” was the word Emmons used to describe what made the offense so good. “We trusted one another to do the right thing.”
It won’t be a surprise if the trio finds themselves on the field at the same time if Saturday’s game is close in the fourth quarter, as that long-built trust will be an asset.
DeLorenzo said that the three players have played together since fourth and fifth grade, and called his bond with Coppinger and Emmons a “brotherhood.”
“I’m excited to get out there one more time with these guys,” said DeLorenzo.
— Staff Writer Wil Kramlich can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 323 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @WilTalkSports.
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