Aloian said the Quincy football squad has no grievances about his participation. "I asked a lot of them and they were enthusiastic about it. I would not play if they thought my involvement was going to be in any way bad."

"Besides," said Levey, "He can only be an asset since he has played Harvard football."

Quincy tight end Art O'Keefe knew Aloian when he attended the Belmont Hill School. "I think that he wants to show his interest in the House in as many ways as he can. At Belmont, he went to as many sports event as possible to show enthusiasm for the school."

O'Keefe said he supports Aloian's plan because "he is going out on a limb, risking his body for the House."

Aloian is unsure whether he will pursue his career as back-up quarterback for any significant length of time. "I'll take one game at a time, and if I avoid disaster, I'll play again. But we'll see."

Still, Aloian is not worried. "I am in fair shape for someone who is 52 years old. I play tennis twice a week."

Rough 'em up, David.