The Mountie Football Team jumped out to a 6-3 lead before succumbing to the will of the wily veterans in the 2nd Gridiron Celebrity Softball Challenge on Saturday, August 28th at Fortunato Field. The event was sponsored by the MHS Gridiron Club and pitted community celebrities against the members of the Montclair High School Football Team. The celebrities won the seven inning contest 13-5.

According to Challenge Co-Chair, James Eason, the event was designed to bring our community celebrities such as police officers, firefighters, councilors and other town employees together with our Mountie Football Team for a fun-filled competition. “We often hear about famous actors, athletes, musicians, and others who live in our town, Eason said, but it’s nice for our young people to meet the ladies and gentlemen who work hard to keep our community safe, clean and comfortable.”

Some of the football players had never participated in a softball game but that did not stop them from getting after it and even engaging in some light trash talking. Several of the Mountie gridders demonstrated that their athletic abilities extended beyond the football field and they were quite comfortable mixing it up on the softball field. The team’s attention will turn to football matters this week when practice officially begins.

The celebrity team participants included members of the Montclair Police and Fire Departments, local business owners, parents, town employees and other team supporters.

The game was laden with former MHS athletes. Celebrity team members Roger Terry, Andrew Evangelista, JR D’Alessandro, Linda Green, Tracy Pizzuti, Garland Thornton, Rikki Cook; umpires; Lonnie Brandon, Ray Carnavale and announcers; Earl Williams, 1971 National League Rookie of the Year, and Jimmy Eason all donned the Mountie Royal Blue and White.

Battalion Chief Steve Miscia took first place in the home run derby and won a gift certificate to the Woodside Spa in Montclair. Second place winner, Patrolman Anthony Swan won a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses. Youth and activities Director, Garland Thornton and JR D’Alessandro held a mini derby with a homer each during the third inning. Both finished the game with two round trippers. D’Alessandro summed it up by saying that he had a good time last year but this year was great!