The top 50 senior football players from New York and New Jersey high schools will meet at West Point's Michie Stadium for the third annual Governor's Bowl gridiron classic July 8 at 4 p.m.

The Empire State team will try to use its "home field" advantage to gain its first victory in the series. New Jersey overcame 14-0 and 15-0 deficits to post 36-20 and 26-15 victories in the 1998 and 1999 contests.

New York will be coached by North Rockland High coach Joe Casarella, who has compiled a 169-23-1 record in 19 years as head coach of the Red Raiders. His teams have earned 11 Section 1 titles and Casarella was named New York State Coach of the Year in 1987 and 1993.

Retired Pennsauken High coach Vince McAneney will lead the Garden State squad. McAneney, who has been named to the South Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame, West Chester University Hall of Fame, and Pennsauken Hall of Fame, was head coach at Pennsauken for 25 years and has coached nine current or former NFL players during his career.

The Governor's Bowl is fast becoming the top All-Star game for blue-chip high school players. Past players include Penn State running back Eric McCoo, Notre Dame linebacker Anthony Weaver, Ohio State defensive lineman David Thompson and Michigan wide receiver Marquise Walker.

Standouts from the 2000 New York roster include SchoolSports.com Player of the Year Sam Maldonado, Omar Palmer and Ike Roberts. Maldonado, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound running back from Harrison High, will play for the Ohio State Buckeyes, while the 6-foot, 195-pound Palmer, a defensive back out of North Babylon High, is undecided on a college. Tottenville High's Roberts, a 6-foot, 180-pound wide receiver, is bound for Maryland.

Hoboken High's Tyrell Dortch and Bergen Catholic quarterback Matt Lovecchio lead the way for New Jersey. Dortch, a 5-foot-11, 195-pound running back, will play at Michigan State, while the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Lovecchio is headed for Notre Dame.