Invitations have been made to seniors all over the state to play in the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl football game in late July, and a number of central Maine players have been selected.

The Lobster Bowl is in its 19th year, and all proceeds from the game, which pits the top graduating seniors from Eastern Maine against their counterparts from the West, go to Shriner's Hospitals.

At least one player from every team in the state is invited to play in the game, and each school can have no more than three players selected.

Pine Tree Conference Class A champion Lawrence will have the maximum three players, quarterback and Fitzpatrick Award winner Jack Hersom, running back Shawn Champagne, and defensive tackle Isaiah Underwood. Class B state champs Gardiner also had three players named to the East squad, center Billy Kelley, linebacker Brad Carleton, and strong safety Kyle Stilphen.

Other central Maine players selected include tackle Conrad Gilman (Maranacook), guard Steven Nadeau (MCI), guard Scott Mitchell (Skowhegan), receiver Joe Gilbert (Mt. Blue), end Ed Rodriquex (Mt. View), quarterback Dan Hussey (Waterville), tackle John Carll (Cony), defensive tackle David Hash (Messalonskee), defensive end Cameron O'Brien (Cony), defensive end Ben Grant (Winslow), linebacker Greg Saydjari (Skowhegan), free safety Nick Brown (Oak Hill), corner J.C. White (Nokomis) and corner James Wood (Winslow).

Chosen to play for the West were tackle Nick Ellis of Madison and tackle Brandon Kenney of Winthrop.