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Jefferson, Wallkill Valley teams participate in Wrobo Bowl

| 19 Aug 2014 | 01:14
    Photos by George Leroy Hunter Wallkilll Valley Rangers quarterback Alex Mastroianni gets taken down by Jefferson Township Falcon Rich Rayme in the seventh grade scrimmage.
    Photos by George Leroy Hunter Wallkilll Valley Rangers quarterback Alex Mastroianni gets taken down by Jefferson Township Falcon Rich Rayme in the seventh grade scrimmage.
    Far right, Wallkill Valley sixth grade running back Tommy Testino breaks it to the outside.
    Far right, Wallkill Valley sixth grade running back Tommy Testino breaks it to the outside.
    Wallkill Valley Ranger Cole Weekley (27) blocks an extra point kick attempt by the Jefferson Township Falcons in the seventh-grade scrimmage.
    Wallkill Valley Ranger Cole Weekley (27) blocks an extra point kick attempt by the Jefferson Township Falcons in the seventh-grade scrimmage.
    Jefferson Township Falcons running back Andrew Weber on the loose in the sixth-grade scrimmage.
    Jefferson Township Falcons running back Andrew Weber on the loose in the sixth-grade scrimmage.
    Jefferson Township Falcon's quarterback Matt Johnson with the ball in the seventh-grade scrimmage.
    Jefferson Township Falcon's quarterback Matt Johnson with the ball in the seventh-grade scrimmage.

By George Leroy hunter
JEFFERSON — The inaugural Wrobo Bowl took place at Lakeside Fields in Jefferson Township, New Jersey on Saturday, Aug. 16.

The event promotes youth football and to celebrate the life of Jefferson Township High School alumn and Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant John T. Wroblewski, 25, of Oak Ridge, who died on April 6, 2004 due to injuries received from hostile fire in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.

The Wallkill Valley Rangers and the Jefferson Township Falcons participated. Players from elementary to middle school grades showed their skills in several scrimmages. From 2 p.m. until the evening hours, football fans got to see some exciting action on the gridiron.

"The Wrobo Bowl is to honor the memory of Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant John T. Wroblewski. John was a friend and football teammate of mine growing up in Jefferson," said Scott Veith, president of the Wrobo Bowl Committee said. "His father was our coach. So today is a day to keep John's name alive and to keep his family's name affiliated with youth football in our area. The Wrobo Bowl is to also make the kids from Jefferson Township and Wallkill Valley understand the importance of recognizing military veterans service to our country."

Wroblewski's brother, Rich, with his 8-month-old son, John Thomas, and parents Shawn and John Wroblewski attended the Wrobo Bowl.

The day also was a fundraiser for another local military veteran. United States Marine Sgt. Aaron Alonso a native of the Lake Hopatcong section of Jefferson, lost both his legs and suffered other injuries earlier this year. The 25-year-old was critically injured in February after he stepped on an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Nad Ali, Afghanistan.

The Jefferson Township High School alumni flag football game which took place Saturday evening benefited the Aaron Alonso Fund. Money raised from that event goes to the Alonso family to help with medical care.