Whether gaining closure or preparing for a gridiron future, the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl was a success for Neighborhood athletes.

On Saturday, Aug. 1, high school players from across New Hampshire knocked off their Vermont counterparts for the 41st time in 56 contests, easing past their neighbors in Windsor, Vt., 40-6.

Hooksett residents Jake Tremblay and Rick Fosher earned starts at cornerback and tight end, respectively, while Dunbarton’s Tom Foote started the game at right tackle. Also on the roster for the Granite State was Hooksett’s Justin Colvin.

Tremblay, a Central star, grabbed an interception and added a 45-yard punt return during the contest.

Leading up to the game, players spent 11 days together and endured three practices a day.

“Being selected to the team was really important for me, because I got to showcase my talent,” said Tremblay. “It helped get me in shape, too. I hadn’t been running and now I’ll be ready for the two-a-days that I have coming up in a few weeks.”

By the end of August, Tremblay is back on the field preparing for the upcoming season at Division III Springfield College. The majority of Fosher’s action came as a blocking tight end for a run-heavy New Hampshire offense.

As of now, Fosher plans on attending St. Leo University in Florida and playing baseball, although the former Trinity student said he may look to play a prep year instead.

“When I was in camp, I kept saying that it would probably be my last game,” said Fosher. “It meant a lot to go out with a win.”

Even though bragging rights were the only thing on the line, Tremblay still was enthused about his team’s performance after the clock struck 0:00.

“I thought it would be a close game,” said Tremblay. “The blowout definitely pumped me up. After the game I was still running around. I wanted to play again.”