By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The North-South all-star squads for the 62nd AHSAA North-South All-Star Football Game scheduled to be played on December 18 at the University of South Alabama’s Hancock Whitney Stadium were announced by Jamie Lee,  Director of the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association (AHSADCA)  on Sunday. 

The South holds a 31-27-2 edge in the North-South series which began in 1948. The South won 22-19 in the 2019 Game. The two 37-member squads are comprised of current high school seniors. More than 200 players were nominated by member school coaches.

“We are blessed with a lot of talented football players in the AHSAA. Our member school coaches did an outstanding job nominating players and the selection committee has picked two outstanding teams,” said Lee. “With the game in December, the players will be moving right from their season into the game. This should be a very competitive contest.”

DeKalb County will be represented by two players, Caleb Lyles from Fyffe and Hunter Love from Fort Payne.  Chris Elmore, Fort Payne Head Coach, will be serving as one of the coaches for the North team. 

  “We are really proud of Caleb and all his accomplishments.  It’s a real honor to be chosen to play in this game” stated Fyffe Head Coach, Paul Benefield. “There are thousands of players, playing in High School football in this state and we are extremely proud to have a player receiving this honor.”

“Hunter is very deserving of this honor.  We are hopeful that he will be fully recovered by his injury by then so he can participate in this game” stated Fort Payne Head Coach, Chris Elmore. “ We know that he will do well in this game if he gets the opportunity.” 

The Head coach for the North for the upcoming North-South Classic is Walter Wellborn’s Jeff Smith. The North coaching staff includes Don Dover, Fultondale; Chris Elmore, Fort Payne; Rod Isaac, Midfield; Heath Lauderdale, Susan Moore; Ryan Lolley, Gordo; Chis Musso, Haleyville; and Andy Lambert, Haleyville, the administrative coach.

“It’s an honor to be asked to coach in a game with so many great players and coaches” stated Elmore.  “I appreciate Coach Jeff Smith and the AHSAA for asking me to participate in this game.”