MEDFORD — The 47th Annual Shriners All-Star Football Classic took place Friday evening at Hormel Stadium, featuring top high school players across Massachusetts. In the end, North edged South in a defensive battle, 7-6.
Local schools represented were St. John’s Prep, Bishop Fenwick, St. Mary’s, Swampscott, Lynnfield, Lynn English, KIPP Academy, Peabody, Revere, and Winthrop.
South struck first with 1:19 remaining in the opening quarter. Quarterback Noah MacKenzie (Walpole) evaded pressure and scrambled 11 yards for a touchdown.
North answered late in the second quarter. Haverhill’s James Farrell broke free for a 26-yard score and a successful extra-point attempt staked North to a 7-6 halftime lead.
The score remained that way after three quarters. A highlight-reel play was when South’s Justin Marques (Fairhaven) blocked a field goal late in the third.
On the last play of the game, South quarterback Mike Galligan (North Quincy) tried a Hail Mary attempt, but the ball was intercepted.
English’s Limbert Thomas was the Bulldogs’ lone participant, while KIPP’s Mikey Stackpole also suited up. St. Mary’s versatile wideout Tyler Guy got to line up alongside teammate and hard-nosed running back Demetri Koutsouflakis once again.
Peabody’s Jimmy Festa teamed up with rivals Lincoln Dugan and Tyler Santos of Bishop Fenwick. St. John’s Prep was represented by Jackson Tucker and Merrick Barlow, while Jesse Dorman, Jared Bernabei, and Massimo LoGrasso represented Lynnfield.
Swampscott’s Liam Keaney returned to the field, while Winthrop’s Gabriel Grein was the Vikings’ lone selection.
Revere’s Lou Cicatelli served as North’s head coach, with assistant Jose Escobar also on staff. Their former player, Danny Hou, suited up as well.
