CLIFTON, N.J. — Five-time champion Al Del Greco shot a 1-under-par 71 on Thursday to top the NFL players' competition in the Senior PGA Tour's NFL Golf Classic.

        Del Greco, the former Tennessee kicker, had a 3-over 147 total on the Upper Montclair Country Club course to lead the 26 players who advanced to Friday's round.

        Washington quarterback Shane Matthews (74), former Miami defensive back Dick Anderson (77) and San Diego tight end David Binn (76) were five strokes back at 152.

        The players will start from scratch in each of the final three rounds. The low 12 players Friday will play Saturday, and six players will then advance to the Sunday finale.

        “I like this format because if you're the best player, then you have to show that on Sunday,” Del Greco said.

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