44th Annual Kensington Lions Club All-Star Football Classic | Final Score: South 30, North 20
Feature Image Courtesy of Dave DeLuca
Dickerson, Faller and Gallagher honored
Milt Dickerson would have been proud. The Kensington Lions Club carried on a longstanding WNY tradition without their beloved leader for the first time since Milt’s passing just a few short months ago. They did it with honor, integrity and for pure love of the sport. Indeed, Milt would have been proud.
Williamsville South High School was packed with high school football enthusiasts on Wednesday night with an estimated 3500 in attendance for the 44th Annual All-Star Football Classic. It was a night to celebrate the conclusion of over seventy-five senior’s scholastic playing careers and to honor one of the men who founded this game over four decades ago. During halftime Milt Dickersons family joined members of the Lions Club on the field for a short but sweet tribute. The organizers also recognized former Sweet Home coach and Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame member John Faller who died July 14th.
Another well-known football enthusiast was honored before the game as well in a special ceremony away from the field. Dick Gallagher was presented with the first ever Dick Gallagher Legacy Award. Erie County Legislator John Bruso presented Gallagher with the award with many of his friends and some family in attendance. Gallagher was unaware of the ceremony until moments before. Bruso wanted to do something for Gallagher for his many years of service to the high school sports community and thought this was a great way to honor his friend and make it an annual award as well. “Dick has done so much for high school sports in this area and many others, we really need to start recognizing them,” Bruso said.
As far as the game went, the South claimed their third Lions Club All-Star Classic in a row, defeating the North team 30-20. South quarterback KeShone Beal (Cheektowaga) took home offensive game MVP honors, scoring a touchdown and rushing for over 90 yards. Shawn Dolac (WSE) was named defensive game MVP for his performance, recording two sacks and forcing a fumble in the first half. Lancaster’s Dominic Chiarmonte earned defensive line MVP for the South as he also had a pair of sacks.
Joe Stewart (Kenmore West) caught a 25-yard touchdown pass in the second half and made a memorable catch in the first half that required some acrobatics and had fans applauding. Stewart won offensive MVP honors for the North.
Next year’s game site has not been announced but the date has been set. The 45th Annual Kensington Lions Club All-Star Football Classic will be held on Wednesday, July 29th, 2020.
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