 
BY SCOTT
HADDOW
With the blood spilled and the game decided by shrewd, physical
play, the NFC All-Stars showed the true meaning of friendly
competition.
Despite throttling one another for a full 60 minutes, the
players from both the North and South squads shook hands,
laughed, hugged and even cried when the game was finally over.
For some, it was another game to notch in their belts, while
for others, it was their last ever NFC game.
The North lost the game 44-25.
During half time, an emotional event over took the game and
brought foes together.
The Sudbury Spartans took the time to honour their long-time
slot back Dave St. Amour by retiring his Number 33 jersey.
Players and fans alike stood in silence, stunned by the
remarkable numbers St. Amour has accomplished in his 17-year
career.
St. Amour holds numerous NFC career records, including,
among other benchmarks most points (538), touchdowns (86),
total yards (13,368), pass receptions (303), receiving yards
(4,990), touchdown receptions (61) and kick return yards
(3,888).
St. Amour has been a multiple- and multi-position NFC
All-Star team member, including nine times as a receiver, four
times as a kick return and punt return and once as running
back.
He was league MVP twice (1990, 2000) and was inducted into
the NFC Hall of Fame in 2003.
The Spartans franchise wanted to keep the retirement
ceremony a surprise, but they did too good of a job as St.
Amour was caught in the bathroom and had to scamper back onto
the field for the event.
"I was lucky to get back in time," joked St. Amour. "I wasn't sure about what was going on...it caught me off guard.
It feels great and it's a tremendous honour. It shows a lot
of respect for the effort I have put in with this team. I had a
frustrating year because of an injury...playing only one game,
so it was nice to get out one more time and play with the best
in the league. It was touching to be honoured at this event,
which showcases the true talent in this league."
Despite having a mountain of impressive career
accomplishments, St. Amour found it easy to pick his favourite
moment.
"My highlight...was breaking the all-time scoring record,"
said the 38-year-old. "During that game, I had broke my collar
bone early on and came back to score two touchdowns to take the
record. I thank all the people who have put in the effort into
this club over the years, so guys like me get the chance to
experience this."
Playing his last NFC game, Spartans defensive lineman Kevin
White made the most out of the game. The burly player recorded
a rare sack on the South's quarterback Mark Demerling.
"It's just unreal for me," said White. "I am on Cloud Nine.
It's slowly setting in this was my last game. I have no
regrets. It's my last game...I am here with buddies and having
a good time."
Kim "Junior" Labrosse enjoyed the spotlight as well and
feels the players showed what senior football is all about.
"We're proving this league isn't a bush league," said
Labrosse. "The fans saw great plays and a lot of intensity."
Offensive lineman Pat Walsh took the time to savour every
second on the field. When the final buzzer went, he took his
last steps as a competitive player in the NFC. After 18
seasons, Walsh retired after the game.
"I just loved it," said Walsh with tears in his eyes. "It was 12 years since I played a fall game. I loved the way our team came together today to play hard. It was an awesome experience. It was an amazing night...I had a hell of a ride."
The NFC game also gave former Spartans players a chance to
relive old days with former teammates. Eleven-year Spartan
veteran Chris Bowes, who has played the last few seasons in
North Bay, relished his time at the game.
"This was a big deal for me," said Bowes. "To play with guys
who taught me how to play the game growing up was a nice
moment. To use the home dressing room again was nice too."
Bowes also retired from NFC action after the game.
The NFC season has now come to a close.
