Shrine Bowl players prepare for journey about more than football

By Rolanda Seymour
Jun 30, 2026
Jun 30, 2026 Updated 2 hrs ago
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LACONIA — 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.”

This isn’t regular season football. These are 12th graders from across New Hampshire selected to represent their communities in the annual Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl.

Led by Tim Snow, recently head coach at Franklin High School, the practice marked the team’s first opportunity to see one another on the field, build 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 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 coaching staff, including assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Jamie Roy of Franklin High, John Daley of John Stark Regional High School in Weare, and Mark Roy, Rod Roy, and Nick Ford of Laconia High, along with Brad Davis of ConVal Regional High School in Peterborough, and John Taylor from North Carolina.

For everyone involved, the game’s mission makes the experience meaningful. Shriners Children's hospitals provide pediatric care for children with serious medical challenges, including orthopedic conditions, spinal cord injuries, and burns. Funds raised through the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl support that mission.

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

“It really means a lot,” he said. “Seeing the difference it can make to the kids from the Shriners Hospitals. 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 state means a lot.

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

Macaione said his favorite part 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.”

George Sarkis, of Franklin High, said the first practice showed 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.”

Lineman Kyle Rostron, of Mascoma Valley Regional High School in Canaan, said the size and talent of the roster stood out immediately.

“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 felt comfortable, and he is especially looking forward to competing alongside fellow Mascoma players Justin Fletcher, Colin Meyers, and Colin Burns.

As practice wrapped up, pizzas arrived from Sal's Pizza, donated by 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.”

The 73rd Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl Game is on Saturday, Aug. 1, in Castleton, Vermont. To learn more about the team, visit shrinemaplesugarbowl.com.