In the End, Game Brings Friendship

By: Kevin Adler


As the fireworks burst over the northwest rim of Hofstra University Stadium, players from the Long Island All-Stars and New York City All-Stars laid down on the astroturf and watched the colorful display.

Peacefully they sat and talked on the spot where only a few minutes before they had played in one of the most hotly contested football games of their lives. For some, it would be their last competitive football game, for others a stepping stone to further greatness. But for a few moments, thoughts were elsewhere, as amber, white, red, and gold light up the sky. Soreness, exhaustion, maybe some depression, are all forgotten for a few minutes.

Two Long Island teammates approach each other near midfield. "Good game, way to play," one Long Island teammate said to another.

"Same to you, man. Good luck this fall," said the other player, extending his right arm to give his teammate a quick hug and a pop on the shoulderpad with his helmet. The players hadn't known each other two weeks before - opposing players at rival high schools.

The players share a glance in the direction of Head Coach Joe Vito and the winner's trophy he had placed at his feet, a trophy their efforts had helped him earn by the score of 23-18. Then, they take a quick look upwards as the final starbursts light up the Hempstead sky, and they move slowly towards the locker room.

Nearby, a New York City All-Star brings his little brother onto the field, where he sits on his helmet to watch the fireworks. As the last discharge fades in the sky, the little brother watches as his hero pantomimes how he knew where to go to intercept a pass in the game. The brothers give a high-five to commemorate the moment.

Several other little boys run loose patterns across the width of the field under the floodlights. Few passes connect with their target, and in fact most are jump-balls between several receivers and defenders. An especially badly thrown ball rolls near a New York City defensive lineman, still in his massive shoulder pads. He picks up the ball, flips it to the nearest kid, and watches as the boy fumbles the pass slightly, but holds on. As the boy runs back towards his friends, the player looks at the kids playing - perhaps watching the All-Stars of 2010.