New York City's  Leston Charles

Almost seven months to the day when he walked off the field on the short end of a 28-24 decision in the Public School title game against Tottenville, Leston Charles finds himself on the same side of the line with 10 of his former rivals in the Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge.

 Rivals once, but now united in the cause to bring the Empire Challenge title back to New York City, and to raise as much money for the Boomer Esiason Foundation that they can.

 “We’re all teammates now,” Charles said. “We are All-Stars now, on the same team and I am looking forward to playing with them.”

The Empire Challenge is nothing new for Charles, who attended the game in previous years, but he likes the idea of being on the field this year instead of the stands.

 “It’s exciting to have a chance to compete in the game. It feels good that I am doing something good. This is not just about playing a football game, although we will be focussed on winning the game. But the fact we can do something to help in the work that Boomer’s foundation does really makes this special,” he added.

"Charles motivation is personal. He lost an aunt to cancer just before the PSAL title game. “I’ve seen how a disease can hurt a family. This is a way to help families.”

 While the New York City lineup is dotted with players on their way to the Division 1 ranks, Charles does not think the squad will enter the game over-confident. 

 “We’ve lost the last two games, so that is plenty of motivation.” Charles stated. “I think we will be confident of our abilities, but both teams