GREENACRES – The 2017 football season is coming to a close tomorrow.
Selected area players will participate in the 2018 Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey and Fronrath Law Firm All Star Football Game on Jan. 13 at John I. Leonard High School. The kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
Olympic Heights head coach Baz Alfred will coach the American Team, and Pahokee head coach Orson Walkes will coach the National Team.
Walkes is a coach that could be put into any time period of coaching and relate to his players. This was evident during Wednesday night’s practice.
It can be a challenge when trying to bring together an All-Star team, especially when players are coming from different schools with different ideologies. Walkes and his staff have been able to get their players to buy into what they are trying to accomplish in a short time period.
“We want to execute and win,” Walkes said.
This simple yet effective message seemed to resonate with the team as everyone was huddled in front of him after practice.
Meanwhile, Alfred and the American team staff are a high-energy group that could be characterized as “lit” in today’s pop culture. The American head coach maintains his simple and well-mannered demeanor, no matter how much energy he exerts throughout practice.
“It’s an tremendous honor and I feel good about it,” Alfred said when asked about being selected as the American All-Star team’s head coach. “This being my first year as Olympic Heights head coach, this is an honor for me and my coaches. This puts Olympic Heights back on the map as a school as a whole, so this is a good thing.”
When asked if he had any predictions about the game on Saturday, Alfred was concise with his response.
“No predictions, you know me,” he said. “I keep it smooth and simple. Coach Walkes, we’ll see you on Saturday.”
The players from the National and American teams weighed in and shared their thoughts on being selected to the all-star game, playing with some of the top talent in Palm Beach County, and their expectations for Saturday’s game.
NATIONAL TEAM
Cardinal Newman defensive lineman Regino Alexis:
“I feel extremely honored to play the game I love one more time in my hometown. It feels great to practice with top players to improve my craft and compete. I’m looking to get Defensive MVP for the National team with a winning effort.”
West Boca Raton wide receiver Mahari Mesidort:
“I feel very honored and thank God for another opportunity to showcase my talent and show I can play ball at the next level. To practice with top in the county is exciting and competitive, and to better myself and others. In the all-star game I want at least seven receptions for at least 150 yards and one touchdown. I want to win Offensive MVP and compete.
Pahokee wide receiver Tyler Gilbert:
“It feel great to be selected for the All-Star Game. It’s great to be competing with the top players in the county.”
Pahokee offensive lineman JeJuan Campbell:
“To be honest, I wasn’t even selected for the All-Star Game. My coach happened to mention me and ask if I could join the team, but I feel like it’s a great opportunity for me to play in one last high school game before I get ready for the next level of football. Practicing with the top players in the county is nothing but fun competition. I mean I played a lot of them during the regular year, so we all know each other very well and we just get each other better everyday in practice. I’m looking forward to having over 10 pancake blocks and a win for my National All-Star team.”
Spanish River defensive lineman/linebacker Sam Burton:
“I feel honored to be selected for this All-Star Game and it shows that my hard work before the season paid off. It feels a lot more intense and competitive when your practicing with the top players in the county, but it’s also fun. I’m definitely trying to get Defensive MVP and a win.”
AMERICAN TEAM
Olympic Heights wide receiver Michael Ippolito:
“It’s a huge honor to be selected to play in the All-Star Game. I am very blessed and my family is proud of me. It feels great to practice with these kids because it’s very competitive and you gotta bring your best every rep. I’m looking to get a team win, but personally I want to win the Offensive MVP for my team.
American Heritage (Delray Beach) defensive back Jamari Laster:
“Being selected for the All-Star Game is a blessing. It feels great to be here and showcase my talent. Coach Colombi prepared me all year long for an opportunity like this. I want to record at least two interceptions in the game. I know were going to get that dub (win) for a fact on Saturday.
Palm Beach Central quarterback Nick Atkins:
“I feel honored to be selected for this county All-Star Game, and I love to compete. There’s no better competition like these all-star games. Practice is great. Getting new coaching points with different play call and concepts lead to more experience and becoming a more versatile player. I’m looking forward to this game because it’s fun and I want to showcase my talent against the best kids in the county. People still don’t think I’m good enough to play at the next level, but I’m going to show them that I can on Saturday. My goal is four touchdowns and 200 yards and I want that MVP trophy. Also I want to blow the National team out by 30+ points!”
Jupiter safety Wesley Scott:
“I feel honored to be playing in this game with all the top players in the county. It feels amazing to play with these kids out there and get as many reps as possible. It’s making me a better player going against these talented kids. I’m hoping to get my opportunity to shine. I want to show these coaches and scouts what I got and what I can do. I want to come out with a win at the end of the game.”
Dwyer defensive lineman Dalton Hustad:
“I feel honored to compete in this all star game after all the hard work it’s really nice to see it all payoff. It’s really fun being able to compete against the top players in the county. It’s really competitive and it’s going to make the transition to college easier when I play against other top players. I can see myself having a big performance in this all star game. We’ve worked our butts off and built a lot of chemistry these past four days, I can really see us taking a victory Saturday and playing as a team and not as individuals.”
In last year’s All-Star matchup, the National team took home a 24-17 comeback win after having to rally from a 17-3 deficit at halftime. Revenge will be on the minds of the American coaches and players as they prepare for Saturday’s tilt at John I. Leonard High School.
NOTE: Tickets will be $10 at the gate, according to multiple sources.
