Lewiston and Edward Little played their annual “Battle of the Bridge” on Wednesday night, and this iteration of the Twin Cities rivalry game was like no other.
Only nine days prior, 16 members of the Lewiston community were killed in a mass shooting, leaving Lewiston and Auburn heartbroken and rattled. But their yearly regular season finale gave the Twin Cities the opportunity to come together and celebrate their school spirit.
“This has always been the one game that really mattered, and there are twice as many people here as usual,” Lewiston alumnus Jacob DuBois said. DuBois played defensive tackle for the Blue Devils until his graduation last year. “It’s not just city against city this time.”
Prior to kickoff, the Blue Devils and Red Eddies could be seen locking arms in the middle of Don Roux Field, and were joined by dozens of first responders and their families. Lewiston Superintendent Jake Langlais and Police Chief Dave St. Pierre also issued heartfelt speeches from the center of the field, reciting the names of the 18 victims and thanking the dozens of first responders in attendance for their service.
But instead of tears and a muffled applause, the crowd responded with impassioned cheers and screams. A live performance of the National Anthem by the legendary James Taylor — coupled with a helicopter flyover — only energized the massive crowd more.
“It’s nostalgic,” Lewiston alumnus and current Kindergarten teacher Tara Bryant said. “But it also feels totally different.”
On the turf, the players’ emotions mirrored the crowd’s.
“I’ve felt remorse this past week, but also the high intensity the team brings me,” four-year varsity defensive tackle Jayden Brown said. “I’m glad that I’m here. It’s my last regular season game.”
Sitting at 3-5 in the Class A North standings — and on the playoff bubble — Lewiston would only advance to the postseason with a victory over its winless rival. Come gametime, however, the Red Eddies from Auburn were equally prepared to leave it all out there.
“It’s the biggest game of the year; all we really want to do is beat Lewiston,” junior Red Eddy running back Hunter Baker said. “We have to put our emotions aside and come out here and show that we’re good.”
Unfortunately for the favorites Lewiston, Baker and co. certainly did just that.
Forcing a three-and-out on the Blue Devils’ first drive, Edward Little abruptly smothered the Lewiston punt and grabbed ahold of the ball, as senior linebacker Drew Smith took it all the way to the house to open the scoring.
Two drives later, the Red Eddies were at it again, spoiling a long Lewiston drive with a fumble recovery at their own 12-yard line. One long bomb to junior wide out Bennett DuBois later, DuBois quickly made it 12-0 Edward Little off a goal-line slant pass from senior Kade Masselli.
But the Blue Devils weren’t about to lose in front of their fanbase that desperately needed this win — or say goodbye to their fleeting playoff dreams.
Rallying behind some physical play from both sides, culminating in eight total personal fouls and one Red Eddy ejection, Lewiston bore down and strung together more than just your average comeback. Led by 235-pound senior running back Joe Dube and 6’4” junior tight end Ryker Paradis, the Blue Devils scored 34 unanswered points to take home the Alan Clark, Sr. Memorial Trophy when it mattered most.
“We all know what the stakes are. There’s more in this game than a lot of us have in life right now,” Dube said. Dube finished with three rushing touchdowns in the 34-18 win. “It’s nice to come out, put a good team win together and bring that trophy home.”
After the game, both teams gathered at midfield, breaking down one huddle in unison.
“Everyone in the city needs to hear this!” Alan Clark shouted from the center of the huddle.
“One, two, three, strong!”
