Gridiron stars shine in ASFL charity flag football event

NEEDHAM — A rainy day was not enough to dampen the day for many of the top high school football players in the state.

Players from both the MIAA and NEPSCAC ranks took to the turf at St. Sebastian’s on Sunday afternoon to participate in the fourth annual A Shot For Life Charity Flag Football event.

The day featured four teams facing off in half-field games, with Team No. 4, which featured Randolph’s Mekhi White and BB&N’s Ethan Ortega among others, taking home the victory with a walk-off interception.

The action on the field was entertaining but the true story was the impact of the lead-up process. The selected players fundraised for cancer research and the collective group raised more than $80,000 dollars, which was the most in the football event’s history.

“Our football program is really important to us,” ASFL founder and CEO Mike Slonina said. “This group raised over $80,000 for cancer research, which is up $10,000 from last year. And, they had to play through real downpour today.”

The inclement weather was a factor early with slick footballs impacting the passing game, but the group’s spirits remained high.

“They were laughing, they were joking and kids were sliding in the rain,” Slonina said. “It was a really great group this year.”

The group was selected through their play on the field and also a one-on-one interview process. One attendee also had to make a much farther trip than most.

Lukas Prock, a former Wellesley standout quarterback, now competes for The Hun School in New Jersey. The sophomore made the trip to Needham and delivered several excellent passes that helped Team No. 4 take home the championship. He also had an opportunity to play with some of his former Raider teammates, which Prock said was a highlight.

“My two prior teammates, Matt Lehman and Tenny Charney, were both with me today so that was really fun,” Prock said. “There was also a bunch of local guys that I haven’t seen in a while, so playing with and against them was good.”

Prock said that while showing up and winning was fun, he and his teammates never lost focus on what the event was truly about.

“I think it’s a really good thing to be a part of,” Prock said. “It’s good to know that we were fundraising for a good cause.”

Frankie Strachan, a North Attleboro standout and 2025 Herald All-Scholastic, was around the games but could not compete due to an injury. Still, he enjoyed being on the field for the action and felt the games were very competitive.

“Obviously, I can’t participate, but it’s the best talent,” Strachan said. “It’s a tribute to everyone’s hard work, and it’s rewarding for everyone to come out here and show their abilities.”

Strachan was also inspired by the fundraising aspect of the event, as he found it enjoyable to reach out and raise money for a cause that is important to him.

“I have a personal impact from cancer,” Strachan said. “It’s really nice to have this event and how supportive it is for anyone who is fighting cancer.”

With the games officially behind them, Slonina said that he knows the participants will leave with a sense of pride.

“They understand that they get to play football and get to be recognized as an All-Star,” Slonina said. “They also get to really dramatically impact people’s lives, and I think that is a real galvanizing force for all of them. I think they really love that part of it.”