Nashua North's Jonathan Torres couldn't wait for CHaD All-Star Team West practice to begin the other day. (Telegraph photo by TOM KING)

BEDFORD – Jonathan Torres was so anxious to put a football helmet on again, he was counting down the days.

The days to the start of practice for Team West in preparation for the annual CHaD New Hampshire High School East-West All-Star Football Game.

“I’ve been waiting for this, actually, and it finally came,” said Torres, the former Nashua High School North defensive back/linebacker/running back/slot receiver. “Been working out a lot, going on the field a little bit.”

How come? Because Torres wants a better end to his high school football career than the one he got as a Titan. You see, he suffered a broken collarbone in the team’s Division I first round playoff win over Alvirne at Stellos Stadium, and obviously was out for North’s quarterfinal loss at Portsmouth.

“The ending was kind of tough because I broke my collarbone,” he said. “But I’m fully good, ready to go.”

Torres said his recovery took about three months. He’s still thinking about going to the University of New England to continue his football career, but he’s not sure just yet.

Torres, who did a variety of things for the Titans during last season – running back, receiver, defensive back – says he may play, besides slot receiver – safety in the game that’s set for a week from tonight at Saint Anselm’s Grappone Stadium.

“I’m excited to play safety,” he said. “I haven’t played it yet, so I’m up for it.”

He was up for anything when he was a Titan.

“He filled in all those empty spaces we needed (to fill),” his former Titan and current Team West teammate Steven Rosario said. “He took care of everything he had to take care of. He executed.”

TWO OTHER TITANS ON WEST SQUAD

Torres is one of three North players on the West team, the others being running back Rosario and lineman Melvin Fernandez.

“I’m excited to play in the game, can’t wait,” Fernandez said. “It’s my last high school game, and I want to prove myself and (show) what North is about.”

Fernandez is going to Norwich University in the fall, and yes, he is going to play football there. He’s also going to be part of the Corps of Cadet at Norwich, so he’ll be busy.

“It’s going to be the military and football,” he said. “I’m excited. Can’t wait to meet new people.”

But in the CHaD Game, Fernandez says he will take pride in representing his alma mater.

“Can’t wait to show what North is about,” he said.

Rosario, meanwhile, is thrilled to be playing with both Fernandez and Torres.

“He (Torres) has been playing with me since fifth grade and Melvin since third,” Rosario said. “So there’s a lot of connections there, it’s nice ending (his high school career) with them. Should be fun playing with them one more time.”

Former Nashua North lineman Melvin Fernandez waits for instructions during a recent practice for the CHaD Team West. (Telegraph photo by TOM KING)

Former Nashua North lineman Melvin Fernandez waits for instructions during a recent practice for the CHaD Team West. (Telegraph photo by TOM KING)

TEAM EAST LOCALS

While there are as many as 17 players and four coaches on the West squad, the East has two local players: forer Campbell lineman Evan St. Pierre and former Alvirne running back/defennsive back Aiden Mills. Team East is dominated by former Pinkerton, Londonderry, Portsmouth, Pelham, etc. players.