Dover coach Cumba prepares Team East for the annual CHaD football match

EXETER – The 12th annual ChaD New Hampshire East-West All-Star Football Game is quickly approaching, giving high school football fans one last game to watch before August arrives and the start of a new season begins.

The CHaD showdown is more than just a game, though; it serves as the primary fundraiser for patients at Children’s Hospital Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (CHaD). Proceeds from the game help provide critical services to patients and their families at the hospital. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday at Saint Anselm College.

“(The team) understands what we (play for) and why we are here,” said Dover High School head coach Eric Cumba, who serves as Team East’s head coach. “This game puts things into perspective for everyone involved. We are able to bring together some of the best players not only on our side, but in the state at large (to play in this game for a valuable purpose).”

To date, Team East has raised just over $28,000 through activities such as a dodgeball tournament, a youth soccer clinic and with the help of families and friends.

Last year’s game raised a total of $228,000, and this year’s goal is $245,000. The game has raised more than $2 million since its launch in 2012.

More: Ryder Aubin of Dover named to the National Football Foundation Team of Distinction

Meet the Seacoast players, coaching staff for Team East

Dover and Portsmouth/Oyster River each have a school maximum of five players on the Team East Roster.

Dover is represented by Ryder Aubin, Bryce Carberry, Orion Jennison-Henderson, Brady McInnes and Kyle Merrill, and Portsmouth/Oyster River consists of Angus Moss, Fletcher Miles, Emmanuel Poe, Aidan Thomas and Cole McLaughlin.

They are joined on Team East by Jackson Rup of Spaulding, Zachary Lynch and Hunter Trueman, Eli and Isaac Beem of Exeter, Jake Magri of Winnacunnet and Tayshawn Sheppard of Somersworth.

Cumba is joined on the coaching staff by fellow Dover High assistants Dave Lopez, Josh Droesch, Matt Kimball, Justin Crowley, Julian Nicholson and Chris Stamoulis, as well as Winnacunnet assistants Steve Magri, Sr., and Steve Magri, Jr.

Cumba was on the Team East staff last year and said he always wanted to do coaching in the CHaD game.

“The experience (last year) of being able to coach in that environment has been really fun,” Cumba said. “It’s challenging and rewarding; both for the goal and for bringing a group of footballers together and getting them ready to play a game. I’ve enjoyed every step of the process so far.”

Cumba spoke about what he wants his team to learn from this experience.

“Sometimes when you’re forced to step out of your comfort zone and put yourself in a position you may never have been in before you understand, it’s about more than just you,” he said. “Ultimately, we all aspire to be part of something bigger than ourselves, and playing a game like this affirms that for us.”

Players discuss the impact of the annual game

Aubin, a two-year quarterback at Dover, said it’s important to remember what it’s for to be a part of this team and to play in this game.

“We’re raising money and awareness for Chad and the children there,” Aubin said. “The money raised will hopefully do something good to help them feel more comfortable now that they’re getting the care that they need. That’s why we’re here, and we’re happy to do it.”

Thomas, who will share quarterback duties with Aubin, said the game is “for the kids.”

“We all have a role to donate and everyone is doing a good job,” Thomas said. “It’s an honor to share the court with so many great players and so many of my teammates.”

History of the game

Team West has won the last three years and leads the all-time series 8-3. Team East, which lost 13-10 last year, has won in 2019 (17-13), 2016 (28-14) and 2015 (29-15).