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Cystic Fibrosis Research Winner of Game
by Gregg Sarra
Staff Writer
Once again, the Boomer Esiason Foundation will continue its quest to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis as the Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge takes center stage on Long Island tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Hofstra Stadium.
The finest senior high school football all-stars from New York City will take on Long Island in the fifth annual game, from which all proceeds benefit the Foundation and its fight against cystic fibrosis. The bonanza features most of the All-City and All-Long Island selections of last fall.
"This has been a tremendous success over the years and we expect another large crowd," said Lee Becker, the foundation's director of developement.
Boomer Esiason stood with Jets team president Steve Gutman at yesterday's final practice session at Hofstra and surveyed the Long Island team. He fired passes to West Islip athletic director Wayne Shierant on the sideline and posed for photos.
"We don't change much with this game from year to year because of its success," Esiason said. "The players love it, I love it and the corporate sponsors have been great to us." Long Island, which lost 13-12 to the City last year, has looked impressive in workouts. The backfield features Roosevelt's Jerone Pettus, the all-time career rushing leader on Long Island and co-Thorp Award winner as the best player Nassau, and North Babylon's Omar Palmer, the Hansen Award winner as Suffolk's best player. Long Island coach Joe Vito announced yesterday that Baldwin's Matt Shiels will start at quarterback.
"I'm not really nervous but I hope we throw on the first play," said Shiels, an All-Long Island selection who completed 101 of 180 passes for 1,780 yards and 15 touchdowns with six interceptions. "If they don't call a pass I'll just have to check off at the line." That kind of confidence should help Shiels against a quick City defensive front. He'll have to make smart decisions to drive the Long Island machine.
"Last year we came into the game overconfident," said Roosevelt's Vito.
"The kids saw that and I'm sure it won't happen again. They have the right attitude.
"We've had crisp practices and the kids are really starting to enjoy playing with one another. There was a lot of learning going on out here the past few days." Long Island will be without Hewlett halfback Mark Wohlstadter, who suffered a broken wrist during the third week of the season and continued to play. He had surgery and is unable to participate. Hempstead halfback Brendan Lucas injured his wrist earlier this week and is waiting for doctor's clearance to play tonight.
Notes & Quotes: If you are looking for Jerone Pettus to be wearing his usual No. 20, don't. He was assigned No. 30 because No. 20 was unavailable ...
The most impressive offensive play at practice yesterday came when Freeport's All-Long Island wideout Tahir Hinds leaped over Maryland-bound Curtis Williams of Huntington, which had the coaches raving. Williams has the task tonight of covering two-time All-City wideout Ike Roberts of Tottenville.
GAME FACTS What: Fifth annual Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge All-Star football game featuring the best senior players from Long Island against the best from New York City. The proceeds will benefit the Boomer Esiason Foundation, Gunnar H. Esiason Scholarship Fund at Hofstra and local youth football programs.
When: Today. Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m.
Where: Hofstra Stadium. Parking is free at Hofstra but limited. Fans may also park at Nassau Coliseum for $5.
Tickets: Available at all Ticketmaster outlets and the Hofstra Stadium box office on game day.Tickets are $10 per person. A Canon/Grucci fireworks display follows the game.
Television: Madison Square Garden Network; tape delay; Monday at 7 p.m., July 8 at 3 p.m. and July 12 at 7 p.m.
Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge - New York City vs Long Island All-Star Football Game
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Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday
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