Gavin Therriault is glad to be physical again, while Jack Pepin is willing to go wherever he’s needed on the football field one more time.

The Edward Little teammates will suit up on defense for the East team in the 34th edition of the Lobster Bowl on Saturday at 4 p.m. at Don Roux Field at Lewiston High School.

Therriault will be a defensive back, while Pepin will play linebacker.

Both were impact players on the offensive side of the the ball for the Red Eddies. Therriault was a big-play receiver, but he’s glad he was selected to play defense in the Lobster Bowl.

“No, I think defense was like my thing,” Therriault said of being selected to play defense. “I like defense. I had really fun hitting people and running around making tackles.”

Pepin also played running back. He was surprised to be selected for the defensive side of the ball but not disappointed.

“It’s a lot different,” Pepin said. “I’d say I’m more of an offensive guy, actually. I like running the ball a lot. I feel better with the ball in my hands. But I also love defense. Hitting people is just always a good thing. I don’t mind playing this role, and I’m going to fill the role the best I can.”

Edward Little coach Rick Kramer said the two Red Eddies were itching to get back on on the football field.

“In talking to both of them, they were excited when I gave them their equipment and got themselves ready to go,” Kramer said. “You know, they were excited about the opportunity. But as far as our program goes, it was nice to see, you know, putting both names forward. I was excited to put them both forward because they’re both kids that were major impacts on our program last year.”

‘GAVIN NEVER QUIT’

Pepin and Therriault made their mark defensively for the Red Eddies several times during their senior season.

Therriault had a big game against Portland during the second week of the season, where he seemed to be in on every play, including making a diving interception in the 40-6 loss in a game shortened by weather.

“Yeah, I think that game really showed me that I can tackle pretty well, and open field tackles and all kinds of tackles, and run around, get the ball, and really helped me to see that I can make tackles,” Therriault said.

The Red Eddies lost 40-6 in a game shortened by weather, but Therriault was a bright spot, Kramer said, and that game exemplified why he was picked to play in the Lobster Bowl.

“The bonus was that during that game — and with a shortened game due to the weather — we really struggled defensively,” Kramer said. “Gavin never quit. He never quit. And that’s one thing you get with Gavin Therriault — he’s not going to back down. So I think that was a deciding factor.”

Kramer said Mt. Blue head coach Matt Friedman, an assistant coach for the East team this week, took notice of Therriault’s play-to-the-whistle mentality throughout his career.

“Talking to Coach Friedman in the wintertime about it, he said he remembers watching film of (Therriault) and seeing him,” Kramer said. “I think in the summertime, we were playing him 7-on-7, and … Gavin just chases guys down, even though the play is kind of over. You know, finishing the play until the whistle.

“He’s just a great competitor. I think he really learned how to leave it all on the field this year. There was no apprehension and he played to the whistle.”

Kramer said Therriault forced multiple fumbles throughout the season and opposing coaches tailored their game plans to stay away from him the best they could.

JACK OF ALL TRADES

Pepin had a big game on both sides of the ball against Messalonskee, including a pick-6 and a 40-yard kickoff return while also running for 108 yards on 31 carries in the 41-14 loss to the Eagles on Oct. 6.

Having the ball in his hands a lot on offense made Pepin a better player on the defensive side, according to Kramer.

“Jack had to carry the ball a great deal last year on offense,” Kramer said. “I think that made him a better athlete, in regards to — what would you call it? — playing as a whole player, a complete player. I think that helped him a great deal as far as understanding what offenses are trying to do — understanding where the ball might be to intercept the ball. He just became a much more complete football player this past year. That’s the big thing with Jack.”

Saturday’s Lobster Bowl is the final organized football game Pepin and Therriault plan on playing. Pepin is looking forward to playing alongside his teammate one more time.

“Yeah, me and Gavin, we were flat-out on the ball a lot, making a lot of plays,” Pepin said. “Like, I said, we made up a lot of the tackles on our defense. … But, again, I’m just happy to be here, and I’m just happy that they selected me, in general.”

Both were at the Lobster Bowl training camp at Foxcroft Academy this week, where they learned a different defense than what Edward Little used.

“We’re doing a lot of moving around on defense,” Pepin said. “We’re not just in one set defense. So, yeah, I’m taking in a lot of new stuff — learning a lot of new things. It’s a lot to take in at once, but I’m doing a good job, I think.”

Kramer hopes both can show what they can do on special teams on Saturday to show off their speed.

“It would be nice to see either one of them on kick return or punt return situation, because they are both able to go the distance if you give them a chance,” Kramer said. “Jack and Gavin (were) the two fastest players on the team last year. … I look forward to a great game from both of them.”