News Summary

This Saturday, Long Island and NYC high school football teams will clash in the inaugural National Football Foundation All-Star Classic at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium. The event revives the spirit of high school football rivalries and promises thrilling plays, as the teams showcase young talent under the guidance of skilled coaches. With tickets priced at just $20, it’s a perfect opportunity for fans to support their local athletes and enjoy an afternoon of football excitement.

Excitement Builds as Long Island and NYC High School Football Teams Gear Up for Classic Showdown

Get ready, New York! The long-awaited gridiron rivalry returns this Saturday as Team Long Island faces off against Team NYC in the inaugural National Football Foundation All-Star Classic. This action-packed event will kick off at 1 p.m. at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium, and you won’t want to miss the electrifying atmosphere!

A New Tradition Takes Flight

This game revives the spirit of high school football all-star games, lingering in the wake of the Empire Challenge, which was sadly canceled due to COVID-19 back in 2020. The successful return of such events is a feel-good story for football enthusiasts and young athletes alike, instilling a sense of pride and camaraderie among the players. Pete Blieberg, the master behind this revitalized competition, previously organized the Empire Challenge, and he’s excited to bring the thrill back to the field once more.

Game Format—What to Expect

The matchup will unfold with 15-minute quarters, ensuring plenty of playtime for these talented young athletes. The game clock will stop for all incomplete passes, as well as when players step out of bounds—resuming only once the officials re-spot the ball at the center of the field. Fans can look forward to a dynamic final four minutes of each half, with standard stoppages adding to the drama.

And here’s a twist—teams will adhere to a mandatory 4-3-4 defensive alignment, which means no blitzing or stunting. Those interior linemen can only rush the passer in a specific manner. Ensuring a high-scoring game is a top priority, the penalties for defensive violations will generally enhance offensive plays and keep the audience engaged. Offensively, at least one back needs to be positioned in the backfield at all times, while special teams are in for some restrictions—each team can make only two punts per half.

Tickets and Pricing—Get Yours Now!

If you’re itching to catch this exciting event, tickets are priced at a reasonable $20. Plus, children who sport their youth jerseys can enter for a discounted admission price of just $10. Tickets can easily be bought online at GoFan.co or directly at the gate this Saturday. With so much excitement on the line, you might want to secure your spot early!

Meet the Coaches

The Long Island team is under the watchful eye of Coach Dave Ettinger from Garden City High School. Under his direction, the team has recently conducted three walkthroughs at West Islip High School, followed by intensive practices at Hofstra leading up to a final walkthrough on Friday. The coaching staff boasts talent, including Mike Stanley from Carey High School as the offensive coordinator and Reade Sands, the former coach from Sayville, directing the defense. Expectations for an explosive offensive display are high, thanks to clever coaching strategies that promise to keep fans at the edge of their seats!

A Community Event

Orlin & Cohen has stepped up as the title sponsor of this highly anticipated game, showing a deep commitment to the local sports community. This collaborative effort reinforces how the community rallies around its young athletes and celebrates the joy of the game.

Final Thoughts

So gather your friends and family, don your colors, and get ready to join the fun as Long Island takes on NYC in this all-star classic! With thrilling plays, cheering fans, and the pride of local schools on the line, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Be sure you’re there as a new chapter in high school football history gets underway this Saturday at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.—be there early and make some noise!

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