LYNN – That’s KIPP Academy and Swampscott High for the win.
Piero Canales of KIPP Academy and Xaviah Bascon of Swampscott were the MVPs for Wednesday night’s Agganis All-Star Football Game at Manning Field.
The North took the win over the South, 49-12, and each MVP stood out for his team.
“It’s definitely a pleasure, and in a big game like this, you know, playing with the best of the best in the conference and a little bit outside of the (Northeastern) conference,” said Bascon. “It is definitely a pleasure. I couldn’t have done it without the guys surrounding me. It was a great opportunity.”
Bascon made his presence known by scoring two touchdowns both in the first half of the game. One of them being a jaw-dropping 93-yard kick return while the other a run of 26 yards.
Both Bascon and Big Blue quarterback Cam O’Brien dominated Wednesday night’s game, the same way they dominated opponents during last fall’s regular season en route to a Super Bowl championship.
Canales let the North know that the South was alive as late as the third quarter, scoring on an eight-year touchdown run.
“Winning the MVP is honestly, you know, it’s a dream come true. Not many kids get to come to an All-Star game, nevermind winning MVP,” said Canales. “Fortunately I was one of those kids. It feels good, it’s a good honor.”
Bascon will be attending Phillips Exeter in the fall.
“I mean I’m doing this for my family as well. I’m going to Phillips Exeter, which is a huge opportunity education wise,” said Bascon.” Coach V (Panos Voulgaris) is over there. He’s gonna do a great job showcasing my talents and I trust in the team. We got a good team over there.”
Canales is planning on taking a slightly different route when it comes to next fall. He is attending a program called Year Up located in Boston. Then he plans on going into the real estate business.
