Mainers advance to NFL regionals

ORONO – Seven youths, the largest number ever to represent the Eastern Maine area, will compete in the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick New England regional finals at Foxboro Stadium Sunday morning.

The winners in eight different age groups will perform during halftime of the New England Patriots home game against Cincinnati. If those winners are among the top eight nationally in their respective age groups, they will qualify for the national championships later this year.

The seven athletes, who were among 72 who began the sectional championships at the University of Maine in late-September, and their age groups are as follows: Girls – Morgan Chasse, Veazie (ages 8-9); Jessica Hayden, Madison (10-11); Loretta Cantwell, Hermon (14-15) and Boys – Rodney Richardson, Leeds (8-9); Sean Babin, Milford (10-11); Ryan St. Laurent, Howland (12-13) and Sean Snyder, Dedham (14-15).