By Christopher Shaban
EAGLE TIMES SPORTS EDITOR
CLAREMONT, N.H. — The 2023 New Hampshire Shine Maple Sugar Bowl coach has memories that he wants to pass along to his team and a bit of experience, too. Plymouth High School’s Chris Sanborn will lead New Hampshire in this year’s game and he knows firsthand what this game means.
The Bobcat coach grew up in the small town of Wentworth, New Hampshire and played in the 1992 game. He started on both sides of the ball, as an offensive guard and linebacker.
“It was one of the best football experiences of my life. Getting to know other players from around the state and playing for such a great cause is something I still cherish. It doesn’t matter how big or small your school is. It matters about your football heart” said Sanborn.
“I remember being at camp. The bonding was unforgettable but when practice started, it was ‘go time.’ The first play of our first scrimmage, I really got to the runner for a solid hit and that set the tone.”
Sanborn was a Shrine assistant coach in 2021 and is looking forward to a competitive game against Vermont. “Both teams will have lots of players playing out of their normal positions and it’s going to be a lot of work to figure things out during the week of practice at camp. I can’t tell you how much film myself and the coaching staff have watched about our team. There are so many great athletes and it doesn’t matter which division your team is from. There are great players all across the state,” said Sanborn.
“The kids who have been selected to play in this game have earned it and I guarantee they will all get playing time. Everyone wants to win and I want it to be a great experience for every player. I know there are some solid players in the Upper Valley and one of them even wrestled along side of my son,” said Sanborn, who was referring to Stevens High’s Colby Shepard, who will be playing linebacker for New Hampshire.
From his own team, Sanborn will have Matt Cleary, Dylan Welch and Caden Sanborn. He’ll also have some of our region’s best. “I know kids like Karter Pollari and Tyler Gobin from Newport, Shepard and Lucas Smith from Stevens and Danny Farnham from Fall Mountain can play. We loved the film on these players and talks with coaches reaffirmed out thoughts. I remember playing against Newport — those orange helmets and the way they hit. That is a program that is just good. Any player from any of these schools will be an asset in this game” added Sanborn.
“The support from Newport, Stevens and the Fall Mountain communities for their football teams and all sports is really impressive and I fully expect big crowds at the game from those schools. Castleton University is a great host and the Shriner’s are just incredible, the support and dedication is beyond words and I know that we are all humble to be a part of this great game and what it’s all about” said Sanborn.
Along with a few members of the Plymouth coaching staff will be Lebanon’s new head football coach Doug Johnson. Johnson grew up in Hartford and was a coach at Dartmouth College.
The Maple Sugar Shrine Bowl will be played on Saturday, Aug. 5 at Vermont State University in Castleton. For game details, tickets or to donate to the cause, visit www.shrinemaplesugarbowl.com.
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