Grafton Police to Face Patriots Players April 20

Every year, members of the Grafton Police Department take the court against members of the New England Patriots, past and present, to raise money for the Police Association. This year will be no different.

The game, scheduled to tip off at 1 p.m. April 20, will be played in the gym at Grafton High School.

According to Sgt. Michael Mazzola, one of the event's organizers, most of the funds raised get donated right back to the community.

"We donate the bulk of it back to the town: high school organizations, baseball organizations ... usually anyone who requests gets some form of donation from the association," he said.

Although the list of Patriots players won't be released until closer to the game, Mazzola said, retired players and new players are usually the focus.

"We had Tom Brady play his rookie year, but we haven't been able to get him back."

Two years ago, rookie Rob Gronkowski played in the game alongside Devin McCourty and Scott Zolak.

Taking the court for Grafton is a roster of police officers that volunteer, high school athletes and occasionally officers from nearby police departments.

"Everyone in the department is usually at the game in some form, whether it's on the court or working concessions," the sergeant said.

Tickets are available at the door or at the police station with a $10 donation to the Grafton Police Association.

The crowd is expected to fill the gymnasium this year as it did last year.