Rotman, Cray End Careers at Gillette

Needham High lineman Charlie Rotman is used to pushing much smaller guys around.

At the 32^nd Shriners Football Classic, played Friday night at Gillette Stadium, he got a taste of his own medicine.

"These guys were much bigger," the 6-foot-1-inch, 225-pound Rotman said from the 69,000-seat home of the New England Patriots. "Back in the Bay State Conference, I was usually one of the bigger offensive linemen. Out here, I think I was the smallest offensive lineman, but, you know, size isn't everything. You need to stay low on them and hold your ground."

The annual all-star game, which features the state's top 100 seniors, pits the North verse South and raises funds for the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Rotman, along with cornerback and wide receiver Kevin Cray and coach Dave Duffy, represented a strong Needham contingent on the South squad, which won 13-6. The team was led by University of Connecticut-bound quarterback Gary McCummings, of Natick, and New Bedford halfback Jonathan Williams.

"We definitely wanted to win," said Rotman, who was in at center on what would be the game-winning touchdown drive. " … We lost our last five games of the season back in the fall, so to finish my career with a win was something special."

Cray, who primarily plays defensive back for the Rockets, made the team as a wide-out. Even though he wasn't targeted during the game, he said it and the two weeks of practice beforehand were a great experience.

"It was incredible," he said. "Playing at Gillette, that's awesome. It's every kid's dream."

Cray had five interceptions on defense and nine total touchdowns at Needham. He said he models his game after the flashy, former National Football League cornerback Deion Sanders.

"I really, really used to love [Sanders]," he said. " … You're not allowed to bust out (touchdown celebrations) in high school though. You usually get flagged for that, so I haven't worked on it too much."

Rotman was also gracious just to play in the game. He said linemen usually don't get any recognition, so being named to the team was momentous.

Duffy acted as the linebackers coach for the South squad.

Cray will attend the University of New Hampshire to study design and sculpture. He will not play football.

Rotman, who also ended his football career Friday, will study engineering at the University of Michigan.

"I wish," he said of playing for the storied Wolverines.