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Jason Hawes organized the 1 p.m. game at Boverini Stadium to fund a scholarship for Passaic High School senior Markiah Jonae Holmes-Pritchett.
Holmes-Pritchett ran cross-country plus indoor and outdoor track all while maintaining a high GPA.
"I believe she is what a student-athlete should be," Hawes said. "Grades and academics first and then you excel on the field. She's covering all bases."
Hawes, a 1987 graduate of Passaic High School, started the charity flag football game four years ago. He played college football at Southern Connecticut State University and the arena league and brought his passion back home to Passaic.
The first year had more than 300 guests and Hawes said he wants to reach that level again.
"I just wanted to help out a few of the student-athletes who were college-bound," he said. "Just a small token to help out."
Around 60 former Passaic football players and cheerleaders play in the game, Hawes said.
Donations will be collected to help Holmes-Pritchett. Hawes will also hold a party at a local lounge prior to the game to help reach their goal of $5,000.
Holmes-Pritchett received multiple postseason honors and was named Passaic High School MVP for 2016. She was accepted to Caldwell University.
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