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A Shot For Life Bowl mission hits close to home for Massachusetts high school football stars

When Neary discovered A Shot For Life — an athletics-based non-profit that funds health and cancer research initiatives — he knew he had to jump into action to support his mother and others coping with similar illnesses. Advertisement Neary, a kicker who was sharp throughout the day, raised more than $1,000 and played a critical role in an overall effort that amassed close to $70,000 for the third annual ASFL Bowl at St. Sebastian's on Sunday, as many of the top football players in the area joined forces and competed in a 7-on-7 tournament. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Another successful — Trevor Hass (@TrevorHass) Each participant raised at least $1,000, with St. John's (Shrewsbury) junior kicker Deignan Guiney raised more than $3,000 and earned a special photo with mascot Pat Patriot. 'It's been really cool to see how many of the athletes have really taken the ambassadorship of ASFL football seriously and have helped lay the groundwork for the players that are going to come after them,' Advertisement Catholic Memorial's Mekhi Dodd (left) gets a hand on a pass intended for Marshfield's Brady Crowley. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Four days after its 14th anniversary, the organization showcased its mission and purpose. Team 3 won the competition, earning a 42-35 triumph over Team 1 in the championship thanks to a last-minute touchdown pass from Tabor sophomore Peter Bourque to Boston College-bound Catholic Memorial senior Mekhi Dodd. While the competition intensified late, there was much more at stake than just the final score. 'It means a lot,' said Bourque, a Hingham native garnering Division 1 looks. 'Out here with a great group of guys, raising money for a great cause, cancer research. It's a great community of people.' Rhode Island-bound — Trevor Hass (@TrevorHass) Many of the athletes have family members affected by cancer, including Auburn native Gavin Groh, a senior linebacker at St. Thomas More. He and his family run an organization called Brake the Silence out of Charlton, which helps raise awareness for suicide prevention. Groh took a similar approach to supporting those battling brain cancer. 'The most important thing is you have to take care of yourself and take care of other people,' Groh said. 'I try to spread love with everyone. You don't know what everyone's fighting.' Related : Neary said he's grateful that so many of his peers showed up to support the cause. The organization, and its sense of community, give him hope. 'It's all one fight against an evil thing that takes people away from their loved ones,' Neary said. 'It's horrible, but by the grace of God she's still with us, and by the grace of God she's going to beat this.' Catholic Memorial wide receiver Gavin Brown hauls in a pass. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Five standouts Peter Bourque, Tabor — It's easy to see why the 6-foot-4-inch, 205-pound sophomore quarterback is one of the most highly regarded prospects in the state. He moves well for his size, throws an effortless ball, and makes the game look easy. Advertisement Heck of a throw from — Trevor Hass (@TrevorHass) Kareem Chaplin II, Canton — The speedy senior running back is relentless and plays bigger than his size. He consistently made makes winning plays and blows by helpless defenders. Mekhi Dodd, Catholic Memorial — Who put Bourque and Dodd on the same team? Dodd, a senior running back, is shifty, powerful, and dynamic and looks ready for the Atlantic Coast Conference. 'I just had to make the play for the team,' he said of his winning score. Boston College-bound senior Mekhi Dodd reels in a pass in the championship game — Trevor Hass (@TrevorHass) Kise Flannery, Catholic Memorial – The Harvard-bound junior playsquarterback, but he showed Sunday that he can excel at just about any position. He's the type of player and leader others gravitate toward. Christian McIntyre, Xaverian — The junior wide receiver operates well in tight spaces, is an elite route runner, and has great hands. He played a critical role in helping Team 3 prevail. Others who excelled: junior Gavin Brady (North Reading), senior Gavin Brown (Catholic Memorial), senior Liam Hubacz (Tabor), senior Noah McKenzie (Walpole), and senior Jack Rees (Duxbury). Sweet throw from from — Trevor Hass (@TrevorHass) Trevor Hass can be reached at