Preparing for the Lobster Bowl is nearly a year-round job for Lewiston’s Jason Fuller and Tim Luttrell and the many others who help organize what may be the premier high school football showcase in the state.

Fifty-one weeks of preparation finally pays off on the gridiron this week with the 15th Annual Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic. For the children at the Shriners Childrens Hospital and the Shriners Burns Institutes, however, to whom 100 percent of the net proceeds from Friday’s game go, the payoff lasts far, far longer. In its history, the game has raised more than $200,000.

This year’s game, to be held once again at Biddeford’s Waterhouse Field, features 88 of the best graduating high school players in Maine, encompassing Classes A, B and C.

Those players, as well as about 55 all-star cheerleaders selected to also participate, traveled to the Shriners Hospital in Springfield, Mass., last month to visit the children and get an idea why they are playing this week. The game’s slogan “Strong legs run so that weak legs may walk”, serves as a reminder.

The game, while secondary, has become a source of pride for football players from eastern and western Maine. The West has dominated the series overall, winning 12 out of 14, but the East gained a measure of revenge last year with a 55-8 victory, the biggest route in the game’s history.

Players and coaches reported for training camp Sunday morning at Colby College in Waterville. The cheerleaders are once again practicing at Central Maine Community College. Five days of practice culminate Friday with a pre-game banquet sponsored by Outback Steak House before kickoff at 7:30 p.m.

Among those hoping to get the West back on the winning track are Jon Tefft and Tony Walker of Lisbon, Garrett Young of Livermore Falls, Chris Levigne of Winthrop and Marc Kelvey of Jay. The East squad includes Chad Schrepper of Leavitt, Chris LeClair of Edward Little, Nate Bolduc and Cal Miller of Mt. Blue, Oak Hill’s Adam Labbe, Levi Chouinard of Oxford Hills and Steve Cobb and Nick Lajoie of Lewiston.

Greg Stilphen, coach of the 2004 Class A state champion Deering Rams, is the head coach for the West. Dick Leavitt, who led Brunswick to its first Pine Tree Conference championship last year, leads the East squad.

Tickets are $10 for reserved and $7 for general admission and may be purchased at the Waterhouse gate, at Kora Temple in Lewiston or from any Shriner. Game time is 7:30 p.m. and the gates open at 6 p.m.