Bellport, Longwood, Pat-Med players compete for Long Island Football All-Stars

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BY JIM FURLONG

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Bellport standout plays with a heavy heart

Edwin Gowins had much more on his mind than just an exhibition football game last Friday.
The talented running back was worried about his younger brother, 10-year-old Jordan, who nearly drowned last Thursday.
Jordan Gowins was listed in critical condition last weekend at the Stony Brook University Hospital. Doctors put him in a drug-induced coma and he was breathing on a ventilator in the intensive care unit.
The younger Gowins was found after swimming in a friend's pool. He reportedly was under water for a little less than five minutes.
Bellport coach Joe Cipp told Edwins Gowins to dedicate his effort to help his younger borther.
"He was playing with a heavy heart," Cipp said.

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Annual event helps several causes

The Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge is very important to Boomer Esiason and his family.
Esiason, the former standout quarterback at East Islip High School who went on to fame in the NFL, began the event as a fundraiser to fight cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease. He and his wife, Cheryl, started their foundation in order to help their son, Gunnar, who is now 16 years old and has battled the disease since 1993.
The Boomer Esiason Foundation also works to encourage people to become an organ, eye and tissue donor.
Tickets for last Friday's Challenge cost $15 each. Many volunteers and companies contribute to the annual event.
"Proceeds . . .. also benefit several areas within our community," said Esiason. "The Empire Challenge supports a scholarship at Hofstra University, numerous youth football programs as well as high school athletic programs throughout New York.
"Every athlete who takes part in the Empire Challenge takes part in a night that they will always remember. . . . They have worked hard on and off the field."

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