Area players feel the thrill of Gillette Stadium at Shriners game

FOXBOROUGH – For almost any high school football player in the state, the thought of playing under the bright lights at Gillette Stadium on a clear night in June would seem like a dream come true.Several local players got to live that dream last night while participating at the Shriners All Star Football Classic.Todd Collier and Guychard Samson of St. Mary?s, P.J. Dorsey (English) and Malcolm Brown (Pope John) all represented the city of Lynn on the North All Stars. Peabody?s Nat Gaye joined that trio, along with A.J. Baker and Michael Walsh of Swampscott, Nick DiChiara of Saugus (Buckinghan, Brown & Nichols) for the North.Pehaps the greatest part about this game (now in its 34th year), is that even with all the great talent on the field, the most important aspect is that it is played for a great cause. The proceeds from the game are donated to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.?It?s just really inspiring, playing for such a great cause,” said Gaye of the once in a lifetime experience. “It takes a lot of hard work to raise the money but in the end it?s all worth it.” The fact that the North lost the close contest 15-12 was barely even evident as everyone left the field in high spirits.The North nearly pulled off a great comeback in the second half, which would have been because of a terrific defensive effort from Collier who never got to showcase his offensive talents as every kickoff seemed to elude his presence.With just 42 seconds remaining in the third quarter and his team trailing 15-12, the ex-Spartans defensive back picked off a D.J. Crook (Barnstable) pass in the red zone while keeping his feet in bounds along the sideline.The interception gave the North all the momentum, but the offense couldn?t string together a drive to take the lead, or tie things up. A turnover on downs at the one after a QB sneak from Everett?s all star Jonathan DiBiaso was the closest the North would come, missing the lead by inches.?I felt like I was playing at a different level out there tonight, the competition was great on both sides of the field.” said Gaye who had a couple tackles in the game. “This was a fun last game before I get to college in the fall.” The ex-Tanner will attend Utica College (N.Y.).The first sighting of a local came on the very first drive of the game as Walsh broke through the offensive line, dropping the running back for a loss on third down, leading to a punt. Walsh would get his nose dirty on several more plays throughout the night. Dorsey also finished the night with a couple take down on defense.With college approaching quickly, a game like this really does serve as a reminder to just how much high school football meant to these kids. For Gaye, this last game was truly a surreal experience.?Just playing here at Gillette with the lights and the loudspeakers is just a dream come true. All these kids are great football players and it felt great being out there with them, even if I was one of the smallest. It?s something I?ll never forget.”