New York City's high school senior football all-stars snatched a last minute victory from their rivals and counterparts from Long Island, winning 13-12 at the fourth annual Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge. The July 3 event, which was held at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY, drew a crowd of 10,000 friends, family and football fans. It benefited the Police Athletic League (PAL) youth football program, the Gunnar H. Esiason Endowment at Hofstra, the Boomer Esiason Foundation, and the high schools attended by the game's Most Valuable Player and Player of the Game. Honorary captains for the two teams included Vinny Testaverde of the New York Jets, Marco Battaglia of the Cincinnati Bengals, Rob Moore of the Arizona Cardinals, Amos Zereoue of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Boomer Esiason. But the real star was New York City's Leon Clarke from Canarsie High School, who was named the Game's MVP. Clarke a running back, received the Jim Brown award, named for legendary Cleveland Browns Hall of Fame running back, who graduated from Manhasset High School on Long Island. The Player of the Game award went to Long Island's Clifton Smith, a linebacker from Freeport High School. Clarke is now attending the University of Delaware, and Smith is attending Syracuse University. Boomer presented the game ball to New York City kicker Nicky DeSilvo, who kicked the winning field goal with only seconds left in the game. And the first Michael Brennan Spirit Award was presented to game coordinator Pete Blieberg, director of health, physical education, recreation and athletics for Kings Park School District. The award was named for Boomer Esiason Foundation intern Michael Brennan, who died in May from cystic fibrosis. The day-long event started with football clinics for area children. In the afternoon, the kids tested their skills at "Jets Fest," an interactive football theme park. The game got under way at dusk and was followed by "Fireworks Grucci Style." The Foundation extends a very special thank you to Outback Steakhouse, the events title sponsor, and Newsday, the presenting sponsor. Thanks also go to American Airlines, Aztec Sports, Best equipment, Canon USA, Champion Products, Chase Manhattan Bank, the Cincinnati Bengals, Envision Industries, Hofstra University, Marc Mellon, MSG Network, the New York Jets, NFL and NFL Flag, NFL Properties, Nike, Inc., North American Telecom, Riddell All American, TDI Cares, WBAB, WearGuard and Z100. Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge - New York City vs Long Island All-Star Football Game 1 World Trade Center Floor 101 New York NY 10048 US Telephone: 212-527-8803 Facsimile: 212-938-7123 Email: [email protected] Office Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday Eastern Standard Time