Eight senior football players from diocesan high school teams played one last game on the gridiron June 25 at Hofstra University in Hempstead, L.I., as part of former NFL MVP Boomer Esiason’s 19th annual Empire Challenge.
The game featured the best high school football players from New York City taking on their counterparts from Long Island. The Long Island all-stars earned a 24-18 victory.
The following players represented the diocese’s Catholic high school teams:
Jordan Francklin, linebacker, Holy Cross H.S., Flushing
Rodney Gonzales, wide receiver, Bishop Ford H.S., Park Slope
Justin Guerre, running back, St. Francis Prep, Fresh Meadows
Michael Guzman, kicker, Xaverian H.S., Bay Ridge
Michael Hartgrove, wide receiver, St. Francis Prep
Jared Labades, defensive lineman, Holy Cross
Brandon Pelzer, linebacker, Holy Cross
Deyshaun Tucker, wide receiver, Christ the King R.H.S., Middle Village