Shore Gridiron Classic

(Kevin is on vacation 7/21-7/25)

It’s had more than one name but the idea has always been the same. Since 1978 the best recently-graduated football players from Ocean County play
those from Monmouth County on a July evening for bragging rights at the Jersey Shore. Now called the Shore Gridiron Classic the latest edition is set for tonight at Brick Township High School at 7pm.

For the 100 or so players who will see action tonight the game has a special meaning. Many will head to college in the next couple of weeks hoping for the same success that has made them an All-Star while others will put on a football uniform for the final time tonight. They’re college-bound but will play another sport if at all and a couple are even on their way to the military.
However for all of them this is the final time they will represent their high schools and the opportunity to play in front of several thousand fans is a great way to go out.

The game is now run by the Shore Conference Football Coaches Foundation
and tonight they’ll induct one of their own as the inaugural member
of their newly-created Hall of Fame. On the field where he’s coached for 50 years Warren Wolf will be honored and the hope is many former players and supporters will be on hand for the latest Wolf tribute. Many of the shore head coaches have stepped up to keep the game alive including Lacey’s Lou Vircillo while Chip LaBarca of Toms River North and Holmdel’s Andy Carlstrom are the head coaches for the two All-Star squads.

On paper the game seems to be a toss-up with Monmouth County boasting quarterback Tim Lamirande of Howell, running back Travis Patterson of Long Branch and Freehold linebacker Robert James. The Ocean County squad is especially high on a defense featuring linebackers Tyler Groves of Toms River East and Kyle Coleman of Point Boro along with Brick safety Ray Johnson with quarterbacks Anthony Penna of Toms River North and Warren Smith of Lacey looking to put points on the board.

One winner for sure is the Monmouth/Ocean Challenger Sports League which is the game charity. The other big winners are football fans who once again have a fitting way to say good-bye to players who’ve given us thrills over the years. When the game ends tonight the 2007 season is officially over and we’ll be just 56 days away from the kickoff to 2008.