Teams combine to raise $67,000 at annual CHaD East-West All-Star Football Game

MANCHESTER -- Despite the fact there is technically a winning team at the annual Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD) East-West All-Star Football Game, both teams can walk away feeling great for what was accomplished.

The primary focus of the game was to raise money and funds for the patients at Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hancock, and both teams were very successful. 

For the second straight season, Team West defeated Team East, 26-0 on Saturday at Saint Anselm College. Bedford High School quarterback Joe Miko threw two touchdown passes and was named the game's Most Valuable Player.

West now leads the all-time series, 10-3. Team East won in 2015 (29-15), 2016 (28-14) and 2019 (17-13).

The two teams combined to raise more than $67,000 this year, and a check was presented to the hospital at midfield prior to the game.

Team East, coached by Spaulding's Kevin Hebert, raised more than $40,000.

"It's $90,000 in two years since I've been at the helm," Hebert said. "It's going to sign like a consolation prize, but really, that's what I'm most proud of. We raised $50,000 two years ago, and in this economy, we raised $40,000. People don't have money, and it's tight right now; to raise that kind of money just on our side alone, I'm really proud of the kids."

Team East and Dover High School quarterback Darian Lopez-Sullivan enjoyed his time and it was special to be able to be a helping hand to those need.

"Obviously, I love football, but at the same time, we have to learn how to enjoy our life," Lopez-Sullivan said. "We have to stay positive, and at the end of the day, like I said, the score didn't come down on our end, but I'm with these guys, my family, my teammates and I made new friendships and connections. It's been a blessing, it was a great experience."

Hebert added, "It's something we push for, and I think they understand minus the loss, and feeling bad about the loss, they made those families going to the CHaD easier each visit," he said. "At the end of the day, all our kids and the West kids should feel really good about that fact.

Miami Dolphins tight end and Exeter High School standout Hunter Long, who played in the 2016 CHaD game, was in attendance and honored to be able to support in any way he could.

"Just seeing these guys compete," Long said. "This game is for a good cause, it's for charity and it's for so much more than the game. But then, once the whistle blows, it's a football game. It's cool to see these guys come out here, try to put on a good show and give it their all."

Long was also on the field for the pregame ceremonial coin toss.

"I'm just here supporting in every way that I can," he added. "I love being out here supporting these guys, and supporting New Hampshire high school football. It was just cool to be a part of it and be back in town."

The players met and interacted with Long at Friday's banquet, which was a great pleasure to the athletes.

"I got a chance to meet (Long) on Friday), and it was an honor," Lopez-Sullivan said. "He's one of the guys who came through here, and he got to the next level and then got to the pro level and was drafted in the third round. He's done a lot for these kids, and he's done a lot for us. He's been a good role model. We want to be like him."

Hebert echoed Lopez-Sullivan's statements on the impact that Long's presence and impact had on the players and the community.

"Hunter is great," Hebert said. "Most of our staff had a chance to coach (Long) in the 2016 game. To see him, and see the success he's gone through is great. I told our guys pregame that Hunter sat in the same locker room aspiring to play at the next level, and all of a sudden, he's now playing professional football."

At the half, Team East trailed 13-0, and despite some good offensive possessions throughout the game, East couldn't punch the ball into the end zone.

"Not the way we wanted it to go, but at the end of the day, we're out here for a good cause," Lopez-Sullivan said. "I'm just going to enjoy it and be happy."