Players prepare for final HS game at Adam Taliaferro All-Star Classic

Matt Dash won't be playing his final football game during the SJFCA Adam Taliaferro All-Star Classic June 30 at Rowan University.

Neither will Rondell Gilmore-Lane.

But like their teammates, the two athletes will be wearing their high school helmets for the last time. Dash and Gilmore-Lane will be playing quarterback for the last time, too.

"It will definitely be a special game for me," Dash, a Willingboro senior, said Sunday during an introductory gathering for the 82 players and their parents at the Rowan University Student Center.

Taliaferro, the former Eastern star, told the players to make the most of their last high school football game.

"I remember how much it meant to me to play high school football for the last time," Taliaferro said.

Taliaferro suffered a spinal injury as a freshman at Penn State in 2000. He has made a remarkable recovery and is an attorney in South Jersey.

Formed in 2001, the Adam Taliaferro Foundation provides support for athletes who have suffered catastrophic injuries. The annual all-star at Rowan, which is played under the direction of the South Jersey Football Coaches Association, is the foundation's signature event.

Dash and Lenape's Stefan Kancylarz will play quarterback for the Blue squad.

Gilmore-Lane and Washington Township's Nick Valori will play quarterback for the White squad.

Dash said he plans to attend Dean College, a junior college in Franklin, Ma. A two-time All-South Jersey selection as a defensive back, Dash is likely to play in the secondary in college.

"I know I won't be playing quarterback again," Dash said. "It's going to be a lot of fun playing quarterback for the last time. Hopefully, we can make some plays and win the game."

Dash also said it will special for him to wear a Willingboro helmet for the last time.

"I have to show 'Boro pride for the last time," Dash said.

Gilmore-Lane, an All-South Jersey selection last season as an all-purpose player, said he's likely to attend Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy next year. He hopes to transfer to a Division I football program in 2012.