CHARLESTON -- With the speedy South Cardinals zooming around and the North Bears in hot pursuit, the North-South All-Star Football Classic might take on the look of the many track meets held at Laidley Field.
Speed has been the highly advertised factor setting the teams apart. The question is, will the North offset the South with its trademark smash-mouth style? The North is always known for having players on it's roster who are hitters.
South coach Steve Stoffel from Herbert Hoover High School was all smiles this week at training camp in Institute when he talked about all the speedy athletes on his roster.
"One thing you can't coach is speed and I'm amazed at the team speed we have including our big guys," Stoffel said. "But don't let them (North) fool you because we're not the only ones with speed."
North coach Jim Rogers from Cameron High said he was very pleased with the 35 players on his roster, but he acknowledged that the South's endless amount of speed could be a problem.
"We're concerned with the South's speed because they have some highly skilled kids," Rogers said. "With that speed advantage we can't let them get to far ahead."
The South will have the ability to air it out with Nitro's Michael Scott at quarterback, but with a stockpile of running backs, Scott's number might not be called that often.
Marquel Ali (Woodrow Wilson), Deion Spurlock (South Charleston), Justin Gilkerson (Wayne), and Cordero High (Mount View) are ready to handle the bulk of the carries for the South. All of them are dangerous runners who can go the distance in an instant.
The North will attempt clog the middle with huge players on the defensive line such as Parkersburg's 6-foot-1, 305 pound Travis Bunner. Martinsburg's Jesse Jean will also prove hard to move past for the South with his 6-4, 275-pound frame.
Huntington High's J.B. Lageman (6-4, 275) will supply the South with a lift on offense and defense.
Lageman also has great speed that enables him to close on the opposition in a hurry. Although many people consider him a dominant defensive player, Lageman is a very capable fullback who can provide a good mix if needed to bang out tough gains in short yardage situations.
Hurricane's Chris Holsopple (6-0, 225) intends to make his mark by playing on the offensive line and at linebacker.
Wayne County players on the South squad include lineman Brett Curtis (6-5, 320) and Gilkerson from the Wayne Pioneers and Tolsia lineman Jordan Moore (6-5, 270).
The South all-stars also have receiver Josh Jenkins (Poca), kicker Zack Markham (Winfield), quarterback Nick Harris (Buffalo) and receiver Isaac Dingess (Chapmanville).
On paper the game looks as though it could turn into an offensive shootout. But fans in the stands would settle for anything other than a repeat of last years game.
The South edged the North 7-3, in a game where the North managed just one first down. It was a defensive battle from start to finish.
The South leads the all-time series 33-18-3.
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