August 24th, 2012 Gardiner, ME- The Gardiner Tigers took on the Cony Rams tonight in the “Drive Out Cancer Challenge” in Gardiner, Maine. It was a perfect evening as fans packed the stands at Hoch Field to help a great cause and witness one of the nation’s longest-running rivalries.

MVP

Brandon St. Michel

Cony

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Frank Chepki

Gardiner

Samuel Hopkins

Cony

HALL OF FAME

Norm Pelletier

Gardiner

Norman played four years for the Gardiner Tigers and was a senior leader on the 1981 State Championship team. Norm has continued his involvement in youth athletics and is a serving as an official in tonight’s game.

Gary Burns

Cony

Gary played in the Cony/Gardiner Rivalry his sophomore, junior and senior years. As a junior in the 1961 game, he was a defensive leader for the Rams recording several tackles in the backfield in a 6-2 victory for Cony. He also co-captained the 1962 Rams. Gary went on to serve a distinguished career in the United States Army as a para-trooper, serving in Vietnam from 1967-1969. He was honorably discharged in 1970 after being wounded in combat. He returned to Augusta and spent the next 30 years working for the disabled veterans administration, eventually becoming the national service officer. He also coached several years in the AugustaYouth Football League and coached the Cony freshman football team for 2 years. Gary’s 2 sons, Greg and Pat, were stand out football players at Cony and now, Gary enjoys playing with his 7 grandchildren. Gary has been married

GAME SUMMARY

The Tigers could not keep St. Michel out of the endzone in the second half either as he scored again at the 5 minute mark of the 3rd quarter. Zach Lachance’s extra point put the Rams up 20-3. The Gardiner scholar athlete of the game, Frank Chepke, answered back as he scored to bring the Tigers within 10. But, it was St. Michel again with the score to seal up the victory for Cony. Dennis Meehan added a late rushing touchdown for Gardiner but it was not enough. Cony ends up winning by a final score of 26-15. Brandon St. Michel earned the Great American Rivalry MVP award behind 107 yards rushing and a remarkable four touchdown performance.