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Bill McCarthy, an outstanding offensive lineman from Brick Memorial High School’s football team, has accepted a financial package to play football at Holy Cross.

McCarthy also was invited to the New Jersey Coaches Association’s all-star game July 12 at Rutgers University, but declined because it would conflict with his playing in the Ocean-Monmouth game on July 18 at 7 p.m. at Toms River North. The 6-foot-3-inch, 255-pound McCarthy is the only all-star selection from the 3-7 team that finished strongly with a victory over Cherry Hill East in the NJSIAA consolation playoffs, and which had a Thanksgiving Day triumph over Brick Township.

"He wanted to play in the local game and he could not make some of the practices if he played in the state game," said Brick Memorial coach Fred Sprengle.

Sprengle said the Holy Cross choice was a "good fit academically and athletically" for McCarthy, who was recruited by a number of mid-major schools. McCarthy, who comes off a solid basketball season and plays baseball, will be honored Saturday at the annual Shore Conference Football Coaches Association Academic All-Shore Banquet at Gibbs Hall in Fort Monmouth. Eleven of the 12 seniors from Brick Memorial High School were invited, along with four from Brick Township.

"This is the most I’ve had [selected for the banquet] in my three years," said Sprengle. "We had four in my first year, nine last year and it will be tough to go beyond 11. That’s a lot of kids."

Players who achieved a 3.0 grade point average in their first three years of high school and the first semester of their senior year are invited to the banquet, along with families, coaches and school administrators.

The other Brick Memorial players include John Chussler, Jason Thompson, Jerry Petraccoro, Dave Dafeldecker, Evan Favocci, Chris Strafaci, Nick Emanuelli, Colin McGowan, Eric Hoffman and Jason Marriott. The Brick Township players include Charles Kelly, Greg Schaefer, Vincent Morgano, and Brian Rykaczewski.