Shriners game divides, conquers

Some of the finest football talent in Eastern Massachusetts will gather tonight at Bentley College in Waltham at 7 for the final contest in the players' high school careers. Nominated and selected by area coaches, the teams are divided between the North and South.

The cause, not the final score, for the 29th annual Shriners Classic is what makes the game meaningful. Proceeds from the game, including money raised from the players and coaches, will go toward medical care for children with orthopedic problems, severe burns, and spinal cord injuries.

"The best thing is for them to do as much as they can to raise funds," said Jim Kelliher, the longtime Abington coach who was selected by his peers to lead the South team. "We emphasize the fact that that's why we are having this game."

Kelliher and his staff of five area coaches, with only seven practices before the game, will look to repeat. The South won last year with ease, turning a 28-0 halftime lead into a 41-18 victory.

"Of course, we want to be victorious," said Kelliher. "Heck, I want to win."

Kelliher will be reunited with two members of his Abington squad. All-Scholastic Tim Wells will play wide receiver and Ronnie Dunn will play defensive tackle. Xaverian's Greg Hyman and Braintree's Addison Lynch will split time at quarterback.

South running back Anthony Sherman, the Gatorade Player of the Year from North Attleboro, and the North's Nathan Sherr, Austin Prep's record-breaking running back, will not play because of injuries.

On the North side, Somerville coach Harry Marchetti will take the reins for the second time, and said the job gets even easier this time around.

"To see such great athletes up and down the line, 11 on 11, making some of these plays, you have to stop and say, 'Wow, did you see that?' It's a kick that way," said Marchetti.

Division 2 Player of the Year Dean Walsh from Burlington will be the North's starting quarterback. Arlington Catholic's Matt DeOliviera will see some time as well.

Stoneham's Mark Bruno and Wilmington's Rich Barry will share the backfield in place of Sherr.