From the moment Marian commit Ashton Vogel smashed the opening kickoff through the back of the endzone, it was clear that the South roster had come to play in the annual North/South All-Star Game on July 11 at Decatur Central High School.
That was soon realized as they ran away with a dominant 37-0 victory.
The South quickly forced a three-and-out to start the game, leading to game-MVP Ife Adeoba’s first big play of the game as he blocked the ensuing punt to set up an easy touchdown run for Wabash commit Jackson Willis.
“I had a handful of blocked punts during the season,” the Saint Francis commit said. “I’ve become really used to (getting through and blocking kicks).”
As the game progressed, the South saw big plays on the ground and through the air from Gannon commit Damario Moore, Marian commits Alijah Price and Alex Leugers. With Leugers being able to race into the endzone midway through the second quarter to put the South up 14-0.
North game-MVP Caiden Verrett had one of the few plays that went their way soon after, with an impressive 60-yard kickoff return.
As the second half matured, both teams came off flat before Adeoba came away with yet another block — this time on a field goal attempt — which was quickly scooped up and returned 81 yards by Price to take a 23-0 lead.
Early fourth quarter scores from Christian Hamilton and Marian commit Kaden Bruhn put the cherry on top and ushered in the mercy rule with 9:09 left to play in the game.
“The whole South team did it,” Adeoba said. “Without them, 37-0 doesn’t happen. It was a great experience with the guys throughout the week… I’m just going to soak in all the knowledge that I was given from the coaches. They taught me a lot of different things in a short time span, I’m grateful to get it and take it to the next level.”