Rochester, Milton represented in state all-star football tilt

From left, AJ Boyle of Rochester, David Barca of Milton

BEDFORD, N.H. - Two area high school football players will play for the East squad in the sixth annual CHaD NH East-West High School All-Star Football Game, it was announced on Thursday.

AJ Doyle of Spaulding and David Barca of Milton will be among the 84 graduating seniors to play in the June 30 game, which takes place at Saint Anselm College in Manchester.

Barca, who is listed at 6-foot-1 and 265 pounds; and Doyle, at 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, both play on both the offensive and defensive lines.

Barca played for the Farmington-Nute team, while Doyle played at Spaulding High School.

The June showdown not only gives bragging rights to either the East of West all-stars; it also raises money for the kids and services at CHaD, including the Kristen's Gift Endowment Fund which cares for pediatric cancer patients and their families.

The teams were selected by the coaching staffs of Team East and Team West, led by head coaches Craig Kozens and Jim Schubert, respectively. More than 170 players were nominated by the head coaches from Granite State high schools, and players from all three divisions will be represented on each team.

"These players have done an outstanding job representing their schools and their communities during their high school careers, and we welcome them to the CHaD All-Star family," said Nick Vailas, the game's founder and the president of Bedford and Nashua Ambulatory Surgical Centers, the game's lead underwriter. "In addition to celebrating the game of football, this event introduces these young athletes to the mission of CHaD and the importance of philanthropy in their lives."

As part of the game's fund-raising efforts, the players voluntarily raise money through the generosity of family, friends, and local businesses. Last year's group of players set a new event record by raising more than $72,000, part of the $250,000 generated by the game and All-Star Golf Tournament. In five years, more than $1.3 million has been generated for CHaD kids and services.

Kickoff is 7 p.m. on Friday, June 30 at Grappone Stadium on the campus of St. Anselm College. Team East is looking to even the series by winning its third straight game, all under the guidance of Kozens. Fans can view the rosters and support individual players by visiting www.CHaDAllStarFootball.org. Game tickets will be available in early spring for $10.