Contest may be a ray of light for local league
By Melissa Muntz Community Reporter

Shrewsbury - A roaring crowd, a nip in the air and lights so bright the night becomes day can mean only one thing: football season is in full swing.

Shrewsbury's Pop Warner Football players have the crowds and the chilly fall air, but the lights? Well, that's up to you.

Shrewsbury is one of more than 35 communities that is entered in the WEEI 850am sports radio and Eagle Electrical Supply "Friday Night Lights" giveaway.

Each town's field is listed on the contest Web site, where you can vote for the community you believe should receive the lights. For every 850 votes a town receives, the community will get one entry into a drawing set to take place Saturday Dec. 8.

The Shrewsbury Youth Football and Cheerleading Association (SYFCA) has been working to make improvements at Oak Middle School's Bergstom Field, and winning the lights would save the organization up to $250,000.

SYFCA has 400 kids divided into 10 football teams and nine cheering squads.

Due to the large number of participants, games are played over two days, taking up the entire weekend for families and coaches. The lights would allow for games to go into the night, with all being played in one day. They would also allow for Shrewsbury to host playoff games and regional events.

SYFCA President Tony Perry said the lights will also allow players, who are 5 to 15 years old, to feel more like they're playing at the high school, college and even professional level.

"It just makes the atmosphere more alive," he said.

Information about the contest was passed to Perry from Shrewsbury Parks and Recreation Director Angela Snell. Snell said she was aware that the group had been looking to make improvements, and thought the contest would be a perfect opportunity for the kids.

"The excitement of playing under lights is very special for them," she said.

Residents who would like to vote to help Shrewsbury's chances of winning the lights can cast their vote at www. newfridaynightlights.com. Only one vote is allowed per computer.