LYNN — Fifteen Lynn football players will suit up for the South team in the 64th Agganis All-Star Football Game at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Manning Field, with Lynn English coach Tyllor McDonald leading the squad.
For McDonald, the opportunity carries special meaning. A Lynn native, he understands the significance of Harry Agganis’ legacy in the city and is honored to lead this year’s team.
“It’s a great feeling to be able to not only coach my players but the other Lynn kids who grew up in this city just like me. It’s special for sure,” said McDonald, a 2011 Lynn English graduate. “This team is full of great kids, and it’s a blessing for me to be able to coach them in this game.”
Lynn English, St. Mary’s, KIPP Academy and Lynn Tech will all be represented in the game.
Lynn English will be represented by Dataree Brown, Xavier Beauchamp and Shane Knowlton-Simard. Lynn Tech’s representatives are Eddie Lewis and Colin McGough, while KIPP Academy will send Joseph Beato and Joan Ortiz. St. Mary’s has the largest contingent with nine players: Isaac Bony, Sam Phelps, Jimmy Jennings, Ryan Buth, Julius Patterson, Giovanni Pires, Tyren Hoeun, Jack Hurley and Yaniel Belliard.
Knowlton-Simard put together an outstanding senior season for the Bulldogs, finishing with more than 2,700 total yards and 38 touchdowns. His teammate, Beauchamp, rushed for 1,583 yards and 18 touchdowns.
McGough emerged as one of the area’s top defensive backs during his senior season, recording more than 100 tackles.
Beato made an impact on both sides of the ball for KIPP Academy. Defensively, he totaled 65 tackles, while offensively he helped pave the way for the Panthers’ explosive rushing attack.
Leading up to the game, McDonald and his coaching staff have worked to bring the all-star roster together during a short week of practices.
“Practices have been great. All the guys are showing up and working hard with this short amount of time we have to practice,” McDonald said. “The last two days, the practices have been great. The players are moving faster and getting used to the things we are doing on offense and defense.”
With talent from across the region, Sunday’s game will give the area’s top seniors one final opportunity to compete together before the next chapters of their lives begin. For Lynn’s 15 representatives and their hometown coach, it also serves as a chance to celebrate the city’s proud football tradition on one of its biggest stages.
