On an 80-degree Sunday afternoon in May, the sounds of football filled the air at Laconia High School.

“Guard, guard, guard!”

“Ready, set, go!”

But this wasn’t regular-season football. These were graduating high school seniors from across New Hampshire selected to represent their schools and communities in the annual Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl, beginning preparations for a game that represents far more than football.

The 73rd Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl will be held on Aug. 1 at Vermont State University-Castleton. Team introductions begin at 11:00 a.m., and kickoff will be at 11:30 a.m.

Led by Tim Snow, recently the head coach at Franklin High School, that Sunday practice marked the team’s first opportunity to see one another on the field, begin building chemistry and feel out the first few plays with their new team.

Snow said he was immediately impressed by how quickly the athletes adapted to new plays and new teammates.

“What surprised me was just their football IQ,” Snow said. “Their level of understanding and being able to catch on to things very quickly.”

Snow selected his own Laconia coaching staff, including Mark Roy, Rod Roy and Nick Ford, to join assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Jamie Roy of Franklin High, John Daley of John Stark Regional, Brad Davis of ConVal and John Taylor from North Carolina.

For everyone involved, the game’s mission is what makes the experience meaningful. Shriners Children’s hospitals provide specialized pediatric care for children facing serious medical challenges, including orthopedic conditions, spinal cord injuries and burns. Funds raised through the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl help support that mission while giving athletes the opportunity to be part of something larger than themselves.

More important than the game itself, Snow said, is the opportunity for players to interact with children connected to the Shriners’ hospitals.

“It really means a lot, seeing the difference it can make to the kids from the Shriners Hospitals,” Snow said. “The kids meet, mingle and spend time with us. It’s amazing to see their smiles and excitement, especially going through what they are going through. That’s the best part.”

For the players, the experience is already beginning to feel special.

Tim MacAione, a state champion from Gilford High School, said representing both his
hometown and the state means everything to him.

“I’m really excited to play with ‘New Hampshire’ across my chest,” MacAione said. “And
represent Gilford, the town I grew up in.”

MacAione said his favorite part of the sport is the family atmosphere created by a team working toward one goal together.

“What surprised me today was just how fast some guys clicked together,” he said. “I think it’s a special year.”

Like many players, he is looking forward not only to the game itself but also to meeting the children the teams are fundraising for.

“And winning,” he added with a grin.

George Sarkis of Franklin High said the first practice showed just how talented and
prepared this year’s roster already is.

“It went pretty successfully,” Sarkis said. “We have talented teammates who are competent in their ability to play, and they know their positions very well. They seem to have a firm grasp of what Coach Snow is asking of them.”

When asked what he is most looking forward to, Sarkis kept the answer simple.

“Just having fun and supporting the Shriners charity,” he said.

Lineman Kyle Rostron of Mascoma High said the size and talent of the roster stood out immediately during practice.

“At my school, we didn’t really have many big linemen,” said Rostron, who is heading to New England College this fall. “So that’s going to be a real help.”

Rostron said the all-star practice already feels comfortable, and he is especially looking forward to competing alongside fellow Mascoma teammates Justin Fletcher, Colin Meyers and Colin Burns one final time.

Parents were equally excited about the opportunity. Mascoma parent Robyn Desrochers said she is looking forward to seeing her son Kyle learn and bond with athletes from around the state.

She described football as a family and said the Shrine Bowl gives players a rare opportunity to grow through intense practices, teamwork and shared experience.

The sense of community surrounding the Shrine Bowl was also on full display. As practice wrapped up and players stayed behind talking, stretching and cleaning up the field, 12 pizzas arrived courtesy of Sal’s Pizza, donated by local business owner Ross Tine.

Assistant coach Mark Roy said community support for the Shrine Bowl has been overwhelming.

“We’ve been able to pick up the phone, ask for support and local businesses are happy to help,” Roy said. “The community support for this game has been phenomenal.”

For one sunny Sunday in New Hampshire, it was easy to see that the Shrine Bowl remains more than an all-star football game. It is a tradition built on teamwork, family, community, and giving young athletes the chance to be part of something larger than themselves.

“One, two, three – Shriners!”

If you’re interested in supporting your local Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl player, the team roster can be found at shrinemaplesugarbowl.com.