Fitzgerald HS Graduate featured in Football Movie

Scott Gajos, who graduated from Fitzgerald High School in 2003, will work alongside Kurt Russell in his upcoming football movie titled "Touchback", which will be filmed near Grand Rapids.

Two former Western Michigan football players will be getting a taste of Hollywood this month, albeit in Coopersville, Mich. Walk-ons Tim Balice and Scott Gajos have been cast in the movie "Touchback", starring Kurt Russell. Balice, a punter, holder and receiver at WMU from 2006-09, will play a player on Team Coldwater, coached by Russell's character, along with Kalamazoo College defensive back Adam Powers.

Gajos, a linebacker from 2005-08, is cast on Team Cuyohoga.

The football scenes are scheduled to be shot at Coopersville High School. Those interested in being film extras can e-mail the Touchback extras coordinator for more information at: touchbackextras@gmail.com.

Here is a complete list of the two team rosters:
TEAM COLDWATER: Coached by “Coach Hand”, played by Kurt Russell

Ryan McManus from Stow, OH and played at Wake Forest
Stephen Wasil from Commerce Twp, MI and played at Grand Valley State
Jacob McGuckin from Grand Rapids, MI and played at Grand Valley State
Chris McKinney from Lawrenceville, GA and played at NC State and Arena football
Timothy Balice from Kalamazoo, MI and played at Western Michigan
Everett Stephenson from Detroit, MI and played at Wayne State
Jeff Hachigian from Macomb, MI
Dennis Rutka from Marne, MI and played at Coopersville High School
Andre Benjamin from Grand Rapids, MI
Dwayne Holmes from Van Buren Twp., MI and played at Michigan State
Mike Sheldon from Royal Oak, MI and played at Albion College
Matthew Carter from Allendale, MI and played at Allendale High School
Michael Simon from Kentwood, MI and played at Grand Rapids Community College
Jordan Havercamp from Nobleville, IN and played at DePauw
Thomas Bissett from Jenison, MI
Josh Lanser from Jenison, MI and played at Hope College
John Preston from Newaygo, MI and played at Ferris State
Mitch Cummings from Big Rapids, MI
Adam Dekyger from Fremont, MI
Kevin Shurlow from Lakeview, MI
Quentin Sweat from Grand Rapids, MI
Beau Hoffman from Chesaning, MI
Aaron Higginbottom from Detroit, MI and played at Wayne State
Adam Powers from Plymouth, MI and played at Kalamazoo College
Matt Anderson from Grand Rapids, MI and played at Hope College

TEAM CUYAHOGA: “Cuyahoga Coach”, played by Mark Ellis

Bernard Faithful from Detroit, MI and played at the University of Toledo
Jake Visser from Grand Rapids, MI, played at Coopersville High School and Ferris State
Philepae Phillips from Grand Rapids, MI, played at Grand Rapids Community College
Tyler Moore from Comstock Park, MI and played at Purdue
Scott Gajos from Kalamazoo, MI and played at Western Michigan University
Zach Nichols from Brighton, MI and played at Northern Michigan University
Jason Kelly from Auburn, MI and played at Saginaw Valley State University
Blake Smolen from Grand Rapids, MI and played at Grand Valley State
Matt Flutur from Allendale, MI and played at Grand Valley State
Ryan Sloth from Greenfield, IA and played at Iowa State University
Daryl Graham from Detroit, MI and played at Wayne State University
Brian Grysen from Hudsonville, MI and played at Elmhurst College
Justin Trumble from Macomb, MI and played at Grand Valley State