Falcons Shine in 2022 Marisa Tufaro Rose Bowl

 

NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - Representing Saint Joseph High School for the final time, graduating seniors Christian Solino and Anthony Roige capped their football careers by dazzling the 2022 Marisa Tufaro Rose Bowl crowd at North Brunswick High School on Thursday.

Named in honor of Marisa Tufaro, the daughter of Saint Joseph High School Class of 1985 graduate Greg Tufaro and his wife Cyndi, the Marisa Rose Bowl is the revamped Middlesex County football all-star game.

Marisa passed away in 2017 following six open-heart surgeries and a battle with a rare form of cancer. 

Greg and Cyndi launched the Marisa Tufaro Foundation five years ago to help raise money for pediatric patients and other children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area. 

Aside from the game, players, coaches and cheerleaders participated in various fundraising and volunteer efforts, including the Tournament of Roses Parade, which was held on the Saint Joseph High School grounds on July 19. 

In the refreshed return of the Middlesex County Football all-star game, Solino led Team Marisa to a 14-7 victory, earning the game’s Dr. Joseph Gaffney MVP award. Dr. Gaffney was Marisa’s pediatric cardiologist.

Solino was responsible for both touchdowns for Team Marisa in the game, connecting with Metuchen’s Aidan Holloway for a 23-yard passing touchdown in the second quarter. Later, with the game tied 7-7 in the final minutes of the third quarter, Solino broke free for the eventual game-winning 8-yard touchdown run. 

Roige was a part of Team Marisa’s running back trio that set up Solino’s two touchdowns. He is currently undecided on his college destination.

Bellamy and Sons Paving was the featured sponsor of the game.