By Randy Whitehouse,Staff Writer

HEBRON – He isn’t ready to trade in his football helmet for a fez just yet, but Robie Leighton will have a unique perspective at tomorrow night’s Lobster Bowl.

The Edward Little graduate became a Shriner last month, so he will be the first Shriner ever to play in the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic (7:30 p.m., Waterhouse Field).

“It’s always been a goal of mine to play in the game because I’ve basically been to every one,” Leighton said. “So when I got picked to play in the game, I wanted to try to be the first Shriner to be in it.”

Becoming a Shriner entailed more than just walking into the Kora Temple and introducing himself. Leighton had to go through hours of degree work to become a Mason, then wait until he was 18 to join the organization.

Playing in the Lobster Bowl wasn’t the only thing that inspired Leighton to become a Shriner.

“I basically grew up in it,” he said. “My dad (Robert) has been involved for many years, so I’ve been around it.”

Having been around the Shriners his whole life, Leighton is familiar with the work of the Shriners Hospitals, to which 100 percent of the game’s net proceeds go. He is well aware of what the Lobster Bowl’s slogan: “Strong legs run so that weak legs may walk,” is all about.

“I’ve been to the hospital before, and I know what the kids go through,” said Leighton, who has raised over $1,500 for the hospitals. “It’s great to be able to raise money and help them out. I’ve seen first-hand all of the struggled that they go through, and it means a lot more to know what they go through.”

“When you have that first-hand knowledge and you witness it, it’s an amazing experience,” said Jason Fuller, the general chairman for the game.

Understanding the serious cause behind the game doesn’t take away from the fun and friendships to be had while preparing for the game. Over the course of the week-long training camp at Hebron Academy, Leighton has bonded with Lewiston’s George Foisy and other former rivals who are now his teammates on the East squad.

“It’s fun to meet a lot of kids from all over the state, from all of the classes, and get to know them a little bit,” Leighton said.

Leighton, a fine running back and cornerback at EL, will line up at cornerback Friday night. He’ll have the unenviable task of covering a group of fleet-footed receivers from the West, including Poland’s Stevie Ray.

With Fitzpatrick Trophy finalist Matt O’Donnell of Bonny Eagle and Jay slinger Justin Wells at QB, the West could keep the East’s defensive backs very busy.

“It’s going to be a challenge, but that’s the fun of it,” said Leighton, who is headed to Maine Maritime Academy in the fall to study marine engineering and play more football. “You just go out there, do your best, see what you can do and hopefully you make a few good plays.”

Don’t be surprised if the gentlemen wearing the fezes around Waterhouse Field cheer a little louder when one of their own makes those plays.

“We might be rooting a little harder for him,” Fuller said. “It’s a big thrill for the Shrine.”