Grant monies available for youth football
BRUNSWICK, Maine — In an ongoing effort to support the development of football programs around the state of Maine, the Maine Chapter of the National Football Foundation will be distributing grant monies to be provided under the Coach Mac/John Huard fund that was recently established through the Alfond Foundation, according to chapter president Howard Vandersea.
Any high school, middle school or youth program in football operating in Maine is eligible to apply. The application deadline is April 8 and the successful programs will be notified following a committee meeting on April 15.
The Coach Mac/John Huard Fund is a charitable private fund whose primary interest is advancing the growth and development of amateur football in Maine.
For more information, or to receive an electronic version of the application, contact Martin E. Ryan atmryan8@maine.rr.com
Rushing leader Murray leaves Cowboys for rival Eagles
DeMarco Murray, the National Football League’s leading rusher, is leaving the Dallas Cowboys to join the rival Philadelphia Eagles after agreeing to a five-year contract on Thursday, the team said.
Terms of the contract for the free-agent running back were not disclosed by the team, though various media reports earlier said the deal was worth $42 million.
Murray, 27, was named the NFL’s offensive player of the year in 2014 after rushing for a Cowboys franchise-record 1,845 yards and catching 57 passes for another 416 yards.
He also tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns with 13 and set the NFL record by opening the season with eight consecutive 100-yard rushing games.
Murray replaces running back LeSean McCoy, third in the NFL in rushing with 1,319 yards, who was traded to the Buffalo Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso earlier this week.
Patriots sign CB Chekwa, LB Freeny, DL Sheard
The New England Patriots signed free agent cornerback Chimdi Chekwa, linebacker Jonathan Freeny and unrestricted free agent defensive lineman Jabaal Sheard on Thursday.
The team did not disclose terms of the contracts.
Chekwa, 26, was with the Oakland Raiders for four seasons and played in 32 games, starting four. Freeny, 25, spent three seasons with the Miami Dolphins and has played in 44 NFL games, including 12 last year as a reserve linebacker and on special teams. Sheard, 25, was with the Cleveland Browns for four seasons and logged 50 starts in 61 career games with 190 total tackles, 23 sacks, seven forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Bruins sign UMass forward
The Boston Bruins signed University of Massachusetts forward Frank Vatrano to an entry-level contract.
Vatrano, 20, is eligible to join the organization immediately with UMass’ season ending last week in a loss to Notre Dame. A former U.S. National Development Team player and an ex-Boston Junior Bruin, Vatrano led the Minutemen with 18 goals in 36 games this season.
“Absolutely humbled and honored to sign with the @NHLBruins organization! What a dream come true!,” Vatrano posted on his Twitter account Thursday.