NSTITUTE, W.Va. -- South Charleston quarterback Deion Spurlock and Woodrow Wilson running back Marquel Ali exemplify the raw speed and athleticism of the South Cardinals in the North-South All-Star Football Classic.
The South's key to victory in the 7 p.m. Saturday game at Laidley Field in Charleston might be utilizing its substantial speed advantage. That begins with Spurlock and Ali, aka Mr. Quick and Mr. Quicker.
Ali holds the title of fastest man in the state after capturing the Class AAA track and field 100-meter state title last spring with a time of 10.80 seconds. That's even more impressive considering he was coming off knee surgery.
"It's going to be exciting to have that much speed on the field at the same time," Ali said. "I think it's going to be nearly impossible to shut down Deion and me because we are unique athletes with different styles."
But, Ali isn't the only one who had to overcome the odds and battle to get back on the field.
At about the same time as Ali's knee surgery, Spurlock was stabbed in the abdomen in an attack just outside South Charleston High School.
Spurlock persevered after surgery and also defied the odds.
Now, Spurlock returns to the field with only one thing on his mind -- playing some good old-fashioned football.
"God has blessed me with the talent to do some tremendous things on the field and I just try to utilize them to the fullest extent," Spurlock said. "I'm just happy to be playing on such a talented team because it's not everyday that you get to play with West Virginia's best.
Spurlock's football career will continue in the fall at WVU Tech in Montgomery. Ali will also be headed to the college ranks as a walk-on with the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Ali's style of running is putting the foot to the pedal and speeding past defenders. Spurlock was a multi-dimensional quarterback at South Charleston who could throw or run for touchdowns.
Spurlock is listed as a halfback on the South roster, but he could also take some snaps.
Five months ago both players were in hospital beds with their football future in jeopardy.
Now, both are preparing for bigger things.
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