Lynn English players Neil Whittredge, Travonne Berry-Rogers, and Tyllor McDonald are shown before the Agganis Football Classic July 14 at Manning Field.
Tyllor McDonald said he learned all about the legendary Harry Agganis in the days leading up to the Agganis Football Classic.
“I read the story about him [Agganis] in the program – it sounds like he was great,” said McDonald. “I can’t believe all that he accomplished. It was an honor to play in a game named after him.”
McDonald, a quarterback and defensive back from Lynn English, received the South team’s MVP award after leading his team to a 20-8 victory over the North at Manning Field.
McDonald piloted two drives for scores and intercepted a pass from his defensive back position. He also showed on punt returns the elusiveness that made him the Item’s Offensive Player of the Year last fall.
“It’s a good feeling to be MVP and I’m glad we won the game,” said McDonald. “It was great to play one last time at Manning Field, especially with my teammates Travonne Berry-Rogers and Neil Whittredge.”
Tim Phelps, head coach of the South team and leader of the Lynn Classical football program, was impressed by McDonald’s performance.
“He did it all,” said Phelps. “I can’t say enough about the talent Tyllor has.”
McDonald, who is 5-10 and weighs 170 pounds, played two varsity seasons at English under head coach Peter Holey. The Bulldogs went 7-4 this season and McDonald was one of the most exciting players on the North Shore. He credits assistant coach Greg Brotherton for helping him develop his body strength through regular weightlifting sessions.
“I felt I became stronger, faster, more elusive and more athletic because of my commitment to conditioning and weightlifting,” said McDonald. “Every football game I played, I felt like I was improving. Coach [Peter] Holey coached me in Pop Warner and high school and I’m glad I got to play football for him.”
McDonald will be continuing his football career at Ventura Junior College in California this fall. He will join English teammate Melvin Tavares and Salem High’s Antonio Reyes in the football program.
“I want to play Division 1 college football,” said McDonald, who runs a 4.5 in the 40. “That’s my goal.”
Of his experience in the Agganis Football Classic, he said, “It’s the best way to end your career, especially if you’re from Lynn. I hope I made my family and my school proud.”
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