ATHOL — Noah Giuffre, Robbie Nelson and Kris Selanis will have the chance to represent Raider Nation one final time on the football field.
The trio of Athol varsity football players will participate in the Western Massachusetts Coaches Association Senior Bowl held at American International College in Springfield today at 7 p.m.
“It’s going to be fun,” said Athol varsity football coach Bill LaRose. “They’ve been excited for this. They’re going up against some first-class competition. It’s the first time they’ll be in a game where there are platoons, so I think it’s going to be fun. I’m looking forward to seeing them play one last time.”
Tonight’s game will feature the “Hills” team, with players largely from the Berkshire leagues, and the “Valley” team, featuring players from the Greater Springfield area. The trio of Athol players will participate on the “Hills” team.
Nelson will play middle linebacker, while Giuffre will start at center and Selanis will play a combination of offensive tackle and defensive tackle.
“It means a lot to go out and represent (Athol) one last time,” said Nelson. “Kind of sending off on a good note. For (Giuffre and Selanis), it’s the last time they’ll ever be playing, so they’re going to leave it all on the line.”
Nelson will play football at Division III Westfield State University in the fall. But for Giuffre and Selanis, tonight’s game is the last time the two will play football on a varsity team.
“To me, it’s like an all-star game,” said Giuffre. “I feel like it’s a good experience for all of us.”
“It’s fun to just play in one last game,” added Selanis.
Selanis had kicked multiple field goals more than 40 yards during the regular season, with his longest at 46 yards. However, Selanis will not attempt to put one through the uprights in this game.
“(The Hills have) an all-time kicker, so I’m fine with that,” joked Selanis.
Giuffre pointed out that Selanis’ farthest kick was only 1 yard shorter than the longest kick from any Western Massachusetts kicker this season and Nelson insinuated Selanis did not let anyone know about his kicking ability.
“He should have said something,” joked Nelson.
To prepare for the event, all three have practiced with their team the entire week, going over blocking assignments and working on technique.
All three said their goal is to have fun but they want to win as well. Giuffre and Selanis were excited that they will be able to hit people on the football field one more time.
“I’m excited to block some people, hit some people,” said Selanis.
Nelson wants a pick-six.
“I just want an interception,” said Nelson. “That will be nice.”