NM's Cenedella to play in Shriners game
By Sean Sweeney Journal Correspondent

The rosters for the 2007 Shriners Chowder Bowl Classic were announced recently, and the Central Mass. roster is loaded with locals.

Actually, the key word is simply loaded, as many Central Mass. gridiron stars - such as Holy Name's blue chip running back Emil Igwenagu - will don the white, gold and green.

North Middlesex will be represented by defensive tackle David Cenedella.

Oakmont will have three of its players playing in the Friday, June 22, game at Springfield College's Benedum Field. The reigning Division 3 Super Bowl champions will see quarterback Kyle Anderson, running back John Griffin and offensive tackle Keith Lorenzen representing the Big Green Machine.

The Chowder Bowl Classic football game was established in 2001 featuring graduating seniors from Central and Western Mass. In the five years the game has been played, it has raised approximately $50,000 for the Shriner's Hospitals for Children, which is the sole beneficiary.

The Shriners support 22 orthopedic and burn hospitals throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. They offer expert medical care at no cost to the patient or parents, nor do they accept third-party payment. Naturally, free care such as this is extremely expensive. The Chowder Bowl is but one way the Shriners raise funds to support the hospitals.

Last year, Central Mass. defeated Western Mass., 9-8 in front of 5,000 fans. It raised $10,000 for Shriners Hospital.

For more information on the game, visit the Shriners Web site: www.shrinershq.org/index.html.