A Summer Showdown for a Cause
The 14th annual CHaD New Hampshire East-West All-Star football game will light up Grappone Stadium in Manchester on June 26, bringing together the state’s top graduating seniors and more than 20 cheerleaders in a celebration of talent and community.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m., with gates opening at 5 p.m., giving fans a chance to explore a Kid Zone, get a free teddy bear check‑up at the Teddy Bear Clinic, and browse merchandise that supports a good cause.
All proceeds go to Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock, a nonprofit that has already seen more than $46,000 poured into its pediatric services thanks to previous editions of the event.
Steve Abraham, the longtime Salem High School coach, will captain Team East, while Kip Jackson of Merrimack will steer Team West. The West squad holds an 11‑3 lead in the all‑time series and has strung together five straight victories, setting the stage for another showdown.
Among the standout athletes is Maverick Hope from Spaulding, a linebacker who earned 2025 Division I first‑team All‑State honors. He will be joined by Sean Griffin of Winnacunnet, Sullivan Duffy, Anthony Magri and Oscar Miringu, each representing their schools with pride.
Portsmouth‑Oyster River’s Andy Brown and Micah Gedney will also see action, as will Dover’s Jackson Brock and Connor Lazarz on the East side. From Somersworth, Deshaun Bailey, Aaron Delilse and Eliel Amparo earned Division III second‑team accolades, while St. Thomas Aquinas’ Breyden Sanchez was named a Division II first‑team selection.
Exeter will carry its own spotlight when it participates in the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl on August 1, adding another layer of excitement for local fans.
Tickets are priced at $15 per person, rising to $20 on game day, though children five and under can attend for free, making the event accessible to families across New Hampshire.
Beyond the gridiron, the game underscores a broader partnership between local schools, community organizations and institutions such as Saint Anselm College, which has been a longtime supporter of the charitable effort.