Billy Cravens Night a big success

Billy and Rose Cravens (center) pose with members of the CHS football team after the charity scrimmage held last Friday at Memorial Field. (Kate Merrigan photo)

The Canton community packed the stands at Memorial Field Friday night for a special charity scrimmage event hosted by the CHS football program in honor of former Bulldog great Billy Cravens, who was recently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The inaugural “green and white” game raised nearly $12,500 for the Cravens family through ticket sales, concessions, and a 50-50 raffle. CHS head coach Dave Bohane, who organized the event, was thrilled with the turnout and called it a “great day for CHS football.” The event went so well, he said, that he would consider setting up the game as an annual fundraiser for ALS.

Every available player saw action in the game and the green team prevailed 21-12. Scoring touchdowns for the victors were junior quarterback Anthony Ross, junior Derrick Harris (interception return), and sophomore receiver Mike McMahon. The white team was led by a pair of freshmen: Brian Smith, who scored on a long rushing play, and Dan Dillon, who added a rushing score late in the game. The crowd also enjoyed a halftime performance by the Canton Mighty Mites Pop Warner football teams, which were helped out by varsity players Frank Powers, Wavol Prentice, and Brian Hagan.

The Bulldogs will kick off their season this afternoon (Thursday) at Abington High at 4 p.m. Canton will play its first home game on Friday, September 20, against Quincy starting at 6 p.m.

***

Cravens family grateful for outpouring of support

To the many supporters of Billy and Rose Cravens:

We can’t thank you enough for the outpouring of support you gave us on Friday night, September 6, at the Canton High School football scrimmage. Head coach Dave Bohane did an amazing job of pulling together a very upbeat and inspiring event to honor Billy and to support him and our family while Billy is battling ALS.

The fundraiser was a huge success between the football scrimmage and the event at the American Legion following the game. We can’t tell you enough how much it means to our entire family to have so many good friends there by our side during this difficult time.

It was a heartwarming tribute to a man who has always loved the town of Canton and all his friends who live here. It is humbling to think of how much you all care for him and are willing to help. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts. We can never begin to tell you what this means to us.

With love,

Billy, Rose and the entire Cravens family

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=22269

Posted by Mike Berger on Sep 12 2013. Filed under Featured Content, From One Citizen to Another, Opinion. Both comments and pings are currently closed.