Team Florida looks to take down team Georgia in All-Star game

DELRAY – After a cold and rainy week of preparation team Florida will look to take the Florida versus Georgia all star game trophy.

A brief background about the Florida versus Georgia game if you never heard of it:

Nominated athletes from Palm Beach County and players from all over the state of Georgia will square off on Saturday, Jan 6, 2018 at Southern Crescent Stadium outside of Atlanta, GA where kickoff is set for 2 p.m.

The All-Star weekend will promote a competitive but positive environment for student athletes heading to college. “We look forward to a fun-filled, eventful weekend,” said (Jamael Stewart). “Our goal is to improve the way of life for children of diverse backgrounds by providing creative platforms for them to showcase their talent,” He added.

Team Florida currently holds a (4-1) lead in the All-Star game series. The last time team Georgia won was back in 2014.

Team Florida preparation:

Team Florida seem to be very loose but focused on Wednesday in preparation for the all star game. Despite being exposed to 60 degree weather with rain team Florida did not seem phased at all.

Head coach for team Florida, Johnathan King was very active and being his usual self as he methodically made his progression through Wednesday’s practice.

King reiterated throughout practice the need to win on Saturday. “Let’s go up here, get a win, and come back home.” He said.

The overall mood of the team seemed to be excited and anxious, this may be due to the fact that for the first time ever some players will be participating in an athletic event outside the state of Florida.

Team Florida players shared their thoughts on preparing and traveling to Georgia after practice Wednesday:

Pahokee RB De’Vuntrae Hampton:

“We’re real confident and having a lot of fun, getting to learn a lot of names.”

“I always love repping that 561, Pahokee, Florida.” He added.

Park Vista ATH John Smith:

“It’s been great, got a lot of stars from different teams coming together as one. I think it will be a great experience. They (coaches) make sure practice has been real live and up beat, have a lot of energy, making sure we stay focused, and get that work in as well.”

“I rate the Florida versus Georgia game a 10. Going up to Georgia and playing people you never seen before… that’s the best for me, it’s humbling.”

Spanish River ATH Sam Burton:

“We’re confident to go play in Georgia. We’re going to have to adjust to the cold weather, it’s rainy and cold right now but it might be snowing up there but we’ll adjust to it.

West Boca WR Mahari Mesidort:

“I’m excited and ready to play in Georgia. I rate this game an 11 on a (1-10 scale)”

Glades Central DB Jamarian Green:

“We’re from Florida. Were ready. I rate this game an 11 on a (1-10 scale)”

Atlantic LB Darius Mosley:

“We’re going up there, it’s cold but that doesn’t matter. It’s just like another game, go up there, show out and put on for the state.”

“I rate this experience an 11 on a (1-10 scale). It’s competitive and you get to really see who the dogs are.”

Olympic Heights TE Shane Ellis:

“It has been great, all the talent in Palm Beach got together and were going to make a great team. I enjoyed going up against the great defensive end from Atlantic Jason Mercier, great competition.”

“I’m excited I’ve never done anything like this, I know it’s a big tradition in Palm Beach, so I’m really excited to see what happens. I rate this experience a 10 on a (1-10 scale), it’s all been fun and everyone is cool, and everyone meshes real good.”

It will be interesting to see how “The Florida boys” react to the cold weather this weekend in Georgia and if it will play a factor in the games outcome.

Florida versus Georgia All-Star game event organizer Jamael Stewart addressed the team mid way through practice Wednesday and stated “This Georgia team is ready for you guys, Ive been hearing about it all week on the phone. Be ready when you go up there.”

Wednesday was the last practice for team Florida until Friday. The team will have a walk through practice in Georgia. Buses for team Florida are scheduled to leave at 5 a.m. Friday morning.

The 6th annual Florida versus Georgia All-Star game will be full of talent from both states. This will be a game you don’t want to miss.

Additional story notes: Provided by Prep & Sports, Inc.

Photo Credit: Gene Nardi