Need an All-Star QB? There’s An App for that
ON NEW Year’s Eve, New Dorp head footba l l coach Chris App was cooking in his kitchen when he received a phone call that shocked both him and his son, Charlie, a senior quarterback on his team.
Former Curtis football coach
Fred Olivieri was on the other line, telling Chris App about an opportunity for Charlie to play in an All-American football showcase game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
The Blue Grey All-American Bowl was played last night at the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Charlie App was scheduled to quarterback one of the teams in the second and fourth quarters.
Chris App called it “like a fairytale” for his son, who led New Dorp to a 7-2 regular season record in the PSAL City Conference this past season.
Charlie App played for the North team in the Blue Grey Bowl and was coached by former NFL player and Curtis graduate Vernon Turner, which is why Olivieri was the one to call the Apps about the opportunity.
Charlie and his father - along with about 20 other family members - arrived in Tampa on Wednesday and App attended two days of practices before the game.
“It is the opportunity of a lifetime,” Charlie said. “I’m just so thankful and I am counting my blessings.”
After dislocating his non-throwing elbow going into the opening week of the season, the 5-11 QB and his father both felt his senior year was coming to an early end. However, Charlie battled through the injury and went on to have one of the best games of his high school career, throwing for four touchdowns in a 32-16 win over Midwood.
Following a season in which he showcased strength and perseverance, App became the first player
from Staten Island to ever participate in the game.
App led the city with 1,993 passing yards and 27 touchdowns and was a Staten Island All-Conference player. A few of his Central Cougar teammates, along with his older brother, a former All-City quarterback at New Dorp, have helped App condition for the game.
“To have my family and my teammates behind me is awesome,” App said.
While many of the other players in the Blue Grey game are headed to Division I programs, Charlie is realistic about his future, saying he realizes he’s more likely a Division II or Division III kind of player.
But he was still grateful to have a chance to play in a game that was going to be aired on Fox Sports affiliates throughout the country and be watched in person by numerous college recruiters.
“I am just going to keep trying to showcase my ability and hopefully the best happens,” App said. “To play with guys from all around the country, it’s a very cool experience.”