Find out who will represent the Metro, County all-stars in 2024 Save An Eye football game (2024)

The Metro All-Stars will bring not one, but two secret weapons to the 86th annual Save An Eye game.

Well, maybe not so secret.

All-District 10 kickers Michael Gennuso and Alex Sontheimer headline the Metro’s roster for the United States’ second-longest running charity high school football game, this year scheduled for June 28 at Veterans Stadium. Their position might not be considered football’s top weapon, but in a game of this nature, expect some three-point fireworks from two of the county’s better kickers in some time.

Save an Eye coaches: These 2 head coaches will lead Metro, County teams at 2024 Save An Eye football game

Players and coaches gathered at the Gannon Recreation and Wellness Center Thursday for pictures and press. For the All-Stars, it was a first look at new teammates.

“I’m very honored to play,” said Sontheimer, a soon-to-be graduate of McDowell. “It’s a big opportunity to kick once more and, since I’m not playing in college, it’s definitely a big responsibility.”

Fifth edition of Metro vs. County

All-Stars from Erie County’s Metro and County teams have split four Save An Eye meetings since the game, hosted annually by Erie Lions Club to help provide eye care for children in need, switched to its current format in 2019.

Sontheimer is one of nine McDowell players who will represent the Metro this year and Gennuso is the only player from Fairview. They’ll try to replicate last year’s 29-15 Metro victory.

“I’m hoping to go for at least 100% accuracy on everything,” Sontheimer said. “If we have to punt at all, then just pin it down inside the 20 is my hope. That’s really all I want.”

Last year's game: Which records were set or tied at the 85th Save an Eye All-Star football game in Erie?

Prep, McDowell send county's largest contingents

Nine players from both Cathedral Prep and McDowell will play for the Metro team, tied for most of any school. Metro coach Manny Johnson of Iroquois will have five of his Braves on the roster, including quarterback Christian Krysiak.

“Most people tell me to just have fun,” said RJ Roberts, a Metro receiver/defensive back from Cathedral Prep. “It’s the last game you play at the high school level with teammates close to you or even people you haven’t played with before. It’s something to just have fun with.”

Mike Wydro of Union City will coach the County All-Stars, featuring five of his Bears. North East produced a County-high seven All-Stars this year, including quarterback Jackson Humes.

“The great history that it has and all the great players who have played in it, I’m very honored to be one of those players now,” Humes said. “I want to show out, play the best I can, and I want my name to be remembered.”

North East’s Kelly a third generation All-Star

Landon Kelly’s father and grandfather both played in the Save an Eye game.

Now, the North East safety will do the same.

While family connections run rampant in the Save An Eye game, third generation players are rare. For Landon Kelly, his selection created a special family moment.

“I texted my dad right away because I was so excited,” Landon Kelly said. “I called my grandpa and he was obviously really happy, too, so it was a great moment for my family.”

Landon’s father played for the County in 2002. Fittingly, he opposed then-Mercyhurst Prep star Jovon Johnson – Landon’s high school head coach.

“I play safety and, having to tackle some of these running backs — these big boys in the county — it ain’t fun to do, I can tell you that much,” Landon Kelly said. “Being able to create the bond is awesome, to go against the city and give Erie one big show to start the summer off.”

More: After decades of running Save An Eye game, Doug White earns Hall of Fame honor

Unofficial Metro All-Star roster

Cathedral Prep – Xavier Goshay, Suhtaun Lewis, RJ Roberts, Dan Oblich, Clay Mallory, Tyler Haft, Aden Wentz, Tim Swanson, Tyler Irons

Erie High – Adrian Tate, Keon Somerville, Kaleb Nickson, Amari Hopkins, Javier Lucas

Fairview – Michael Gennuso

Harbor Creek – Lance Brown, Robert Angelone, Zach Marshall

Iroquois – Christian Krysiak, Sam Kightlinger, Micah Pisarski, Savion Peoples, Max Davis

McDowell – Matt Herbe, Drew Pilatowski, Leo Whitaker, Dominic Berarducci, Alex Sontheimer, Benny Whitaker, John Dawson-Ruiz, Parker Romines, Aiden Probst

Mercyhurst Prep – Steven Grayson, Jeremy Ganska, Ja’son Ellman, Craig Buckner, Hunter Rasanauskas, Brenden Johnson, Sean Sokolowski

Unofficial County All-Star roster

Corry – Gabe Scouten, Levi Ehrhart, Hayden Tomcho

Fort LeBoeuf – Conner McChesney, Tanner Blum, Ryan Welka, Dominic Stearns, Aiden Lesik, Jace Wallace, Aaron Lichtinger

General McLane – Cooper Robson, Gavyn Henry, Ian Salisbury, Jacob Zieser, Magnus Lloyd

Girard – Jeremiah Colon, Tyler Gilmore, Kaiden Miller

North East – Jackson Humes, Donnell Gamble, Jamari Curlett, Landon Kelly, McKyle Albney, Ian Seymour, Jacob Babo

Northwestern – Kaleb Glasl, Greg Gruda

Seneca – Nolan Seabury, Nick Smith

Union City – Skylar Olmstead, Travis Mitcham, Owen Kerns, Jake Bahl, Joe Pituch

Contact Jeff Uveino atjuveino@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter,@realjuveino.