Cranford Players to Compete in Annual Snapple Bowl

Three Cranford Football players have been selected to play in the 20th annual Snapple Bowl at Kean University on Thursday.

Linebacker Nick Diaz, Defensive Tackle Ryan Farrell and Center Jeff Weiss were nominated by coaches throughout Union County to play in the all-star game comprised of senior football players from Middlesex and Union Counties.

The boys said they are excited to get to play together one more time to represent Cranford before heading off to college. 

“It’s exciting to have one more chance to play in our last football game together,” Weiss told Patch.

However, they did express that it might be interesting to be play with some kids who were rivals throughout the season.

Weiss said it would be fun to play with whom they are usually up against. While Farrell added he has some rivals that stand out from the past season who he is looking to play together with in the game.

“The first day of practice will be interesting,” Diaz said.

Each year, the Snapple Bowl helps raise money for Children’s Specialized Hospital and the NJ Institute for Disabilities Lakeview School.

“It’s cool that we get to raise money and play for those who can’t,” Weiss said.

All three players said they are looking forward to visiting the kids at Children’s Specialized Hospital. 

Coach Erik Rosenmeier said he has no doubt the coaches made the right choice in the three players.

“These three guys are certainly very deserving,” he said. “There was no debate.”

Weiss will be joining the football and wrestling teams at Lycoming College in Pennsylvania this summer. Farrell will be playing football at Foothill College in California and Diaz will be attending West Virginia University in the fall.

Middlesex has won six out of the last seven games but the two sides have split the victories over the last two years. Union won a 28-6 battle in 2011 and Middlesex came away with a 39-15 win in 2012.

The game is set for 7 p.m. Thursday at Kean University. Tickets are $10 at the gate and all proceeds go to Children’s Specialized Hospital and the Lakeview School in Edison. The game has raised and donated more than $400,000 to date.