Vt. Shrine Team Has Middlebury Tiger Appeal
By Chris Thayer
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When 2007 Shrine Football coach Dennis Perry went looking for his team last January he knew just what he wanted from Peter Brakeley and Middlebury high school. The Tigers JJ Mackey, Robbie Harrison, and Nick Desjadon were the pride of a Vermont town that made football last season very special for the smallest town that supports a D-I football program.. As league champions and eventual runners up in the Championship game the trio had done it all in Football in Vermont or so it seemed. Now there is one more Vermont game in the cards for them and it will take place this Saturday as they represent Vermont and more importantly Middlebury in the 54th annual Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl game.
Last Friday we were able to chat with the trio at practice and over lunch to get their perspective on the shrine team experience. One of the biggest things that the boys said about the time at camp was how it was so much fun and hard work all together. “We get an opportunity to meet and know all these guys we played against last season”said Nick Desjadon of being in Plymouth with the best of the best in Vermont football. “This is something I will never forget and we will always be part of something very special”. For Robbie Harrison who will be attending Boston University in the fall this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, “we are playing for the state of Vermont and representing coach Brakeley and all he gave us at Middlebury High School”, “this is truly a very proud time for all of us here”. JJ Mackey will be attending Bridgton Academy this fall and the only one of the three that will be playing football in college. “This has been a great experience to this point, we get the time to really get to know those guys that were gunning for you all last fall and that‚s special. I think we’re going to be ok next week this is a good mix of talent and I can‚t wait to get on the field and play” said Mackey.
After watching this 2007 team on the field and in the lunch room I can see a real team gelling together and perhaps a big surprise to the Granite State Faithful. The shrine game has been primarily a New Hampshire win but the ball has bounced the way of Vermont from time to time. Dennis Perry’s assistant coach Brian Grady is the last coach to win the game over New Hampshire in 2000 and he will be calling his usual Air Grady attack offense. Don’t be surprised if the team calls on Mackey sometime late in the game to attempt a game willing field goal. Vermont does have a real chance this year, if the kids seize the opportunity the coaching staff will walk out of Dartmouth proud as can be and three kids form Middlebury High School will be part of a special history no matter what happens.
For more Shrine Football coverage log onto Middlebury High School Football players Robbie Harrison, JJ Mackey, and Nick Desjadon stop for a quick picture following lunch on Friday afternoon at Shrine Camp in Plymouth New Hampshire. The Trio are representing Vermont in the 54th annual Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl game at Dartmouth College next weekend. The Green Mountian State has a wealth of talent this year and the boys are confident they will bring home a big win.