By John Shimer
The culmination of the end of two great Amesbury football careers as well the validation of a program's resurgence will occur on the same field where the Indians won their first Division 3A Super Bowl last fall — at Bentley University in Waltham for the 31st Annual Shriners Football Classic Friday at 7 p.m.
Jared Flannigan and Kevin Johnston, who helped captain Amesbury to a 40-19 victory over Martha's Vineyard in the school's first-ever Super Bowl berth, along with their coach Thom Connors, who will coach the special teams and wide receivers, will participate with 74 other athletes and coaches from the South and North Shores. Joe Esposito of Georgetown was also selected, but will not play due to an injured hand and shoulder.
Sponsored by Aleppo Shriners of Wilmington, the classic is one of the most illustrious senior football all-star games in Massachusetts, representing players from all over the state in all different divisions. In the past, the game has featured several NFL players including Steve DeOssie, Doug Flutie and Matt Hasselbeck, to name a few. Additionally, all proceeds from the game go to the Shriners Hospital in Boston, which provides free care to young children who are suffering from burn wounds.
"This is just a great honor that tops off a great season," said Flannigan of being selected. "I'm looking forward to it a lot because I always wanted to know where I would stand against the bigger boys, and I'm looking forward to that tougher competition.
"I will be playing wide receiver," added Flannigan, who will join his brother E.J. at Norwich. "I think it's going to help a lot (towards college preparation) because you play against better competition in college, so we get a little taste right now of what that will be like."
Johnston, who will be running the ball at UMass-Dartmouth next fall and running track in the other two seasons, said the practice atmosphere the past 10 days has been relaxed.
"It's a relaxed, more fun atmosphere out here, and everyone is just amazing football players so we have no weak spots," said Johnston, adding it will be great to play with his teammate. "It's also nice that we get to raise money for the kids, while getting a good look from college coaches, even though most of us have already made picks."
And playing at Bentley University still stirs vivid images of a sea of red marching out of Waltham with a state championship for these players.
"Just practicing out there under the lights," Flannigan said, "I have memories every time I go on the field. It's pretty cool."
