Published: July 15, 2008 10:21 pm      

HS FOOTBALL: North Tonawanda to host all-star contest

The locals list

Here’s a look at the area players participating in this year’s Kensington Lions All-Star High School Football Classic on July 30 at North Tonawanda High School:

- A.J. Roberts, Niagara Catholic

- Kevin Ogiba, Niagara-Wheatfield

- Tom Piciulo, Niagara-Wheatfield

- Mark Kovanch, Niagara-Wheatfield

- Stephen Zasucha, Lewiston-Porter

- Christian Nestark, Grand Island

- Nick Tomkins, Grand Island

- Cody Allen, Medina

- Eric Blount, Medina

- Adam Burdick, Newfane

- Marcus Davis, Lockport

- Corey Balcerzak, Lockport

- Mike Regnet, Starpoint

- Andrew Mullen, Starpoint

- Jackie Feggans, Cardinal O’Hara

- Reggie Garner, Cardinal O’Hara

- Rob Kirkwood, Tonawanda

- Jon Rossi, St. Joe’s

- Tom Fasciano, Tonawanda

- Chuck Savasta, Kenmore West

- Aaron Roy, North Tonawanda

- Steve Brown, North Tonawanda

- Randolf “Jay” Diamond, Kenmore West





Organizers of the annual Kensington Lions All-Star High School Football Classic enjoyed the experience in North Tonawanda so much last year, they decided on a second date.

That will take place at 7 p.m. July 30, as the 33rd annual contest pitting all-stars from the Northtowns and Southtowns meet at the Lumberjacks Sports Complex, located behind the high school at 405 Meadow Drive.

“It’s a great facility,” Milt Dickerson, a Tonawanda resident and chairman of the game, said of NT. “It’s a great football community, and the school was a great host last year.”

In that contest, the North team put an end to a three-game winning streak for the South, as NT’s own Scott Gregson earned game MVP honors after directing three scoring drives in a 17-12 win. The North team this year will have a pair of Lumberjacks on the roster in offensive linemen Steve Brown and Aaron Roy. They’ll lead an offense that looks to have plenty of firepower. The dynamic Cardinal O’Hara backfield duo of Jackie Feggans and Reggie Garner will compete, as will A.J. Roberts, an outstanding wide receiver out of Niagara Catholic.

“I don’t get into the Xs and Os much — that’s what the coaches are for,” Dickerson said, “but it looks to be two evenly-matched teams.”

The annual event was founded in 1976 by Kensington Lions Harry R. Chambers, Gene Zinni and Dickerson. Up to and including the year 2000, the benefactor of the game was the club’s scholarship program, with grants totaling $92,000 donated to more than 140 Western New York students. During the past seven years, more than $65,000 has been donated to Kids Escaping Drugs.

Practices begin today and are open to the public. They will be held at 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. weekends. The North team will practice at Sweet Home High School (1901 Sweet Home Road), while the South will work out at Cleveland Hill High School (105 Mapleview Road).

A players banquet will be held at 7 p.m. July 29 at the Kensington Lions Club, 333 Dick Road, Depew. At that time, players will be presented with their jerseys and be recognized, along with parents and coaches, for their participation in the game.

Current rosters are available for viewing at www.KensingtonLions.org, though game organizers stressed they do anticipate some changes.

Tickets are available at Tops locations throughout the area, as well as from players and coaches. Tickets cost $6 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under.

Contact editor Jay Skurski at 693-1000, ext. 117.