The North All-Stars downed the South All-Stars 14-7 in the Football Classic on Friday night, but Greenville’s Marcus Peters had an excellent individual performance as a last-minute replacement to the South roster.

Peters, a defensive end, and Brantley linebacker Tory Upshaw each had eight tackles to lead the South’s defensive effort. Peters was named to the roster late Tuesday afternoon, joining teammates wide receiver Mikwese Claybourne and quarterback Ryan Smith.

Smith was 4-of-11 passing for the South team for 53 yards. He also rushed for 31 yards.

North quarterback Justin Evans of Midfield rushed for 64 yards on 12 carries and passed for 58 yards and a touchdown to lead the North.

The North win was its 22nd in the 52-game series. The South now leads 28-22-2 in the classic that began in 1948. In the 14 years since All-Star Sports Week commenced in 1997, the South holds an 8-6 advantage.

Evans connected with Midfield High School teammate Jamarcus Nelson for the North’s first touchdown with 1:35 left in the first half for a 7-0 lead. It was quite an unusual 37-yard connection.

Nelson and South defensive back Laprintess Morris of Jackson, who intercepted a pass earlier in the half in the back of the end zone to spoil the first North threat of the game, both appeared to latch onto the ball just inside the goal line. Nelson quickly snatched it away and then held on for a step before losing his grip on the ball. Gaining possession over the goal line meant an instant TD, however, and the North led 7-0 following Caleb Henry’s kick..

The South took the opening kick of the second half and drove 55 yards on 12 plays – eating up almost five minutes on the clock – and tied the game at 7-7 when Taylor Hughes of Chilton County connected with receiver Quindravius Richardson of Loachapoka in the back of the end zone for a touchdown with 7:01 left in the third period. Andre was true on his extra-point kick.

The North, sparked by the running of Evans, drove to the go-ahead touchdown, a 10-play, 65-yard march that culminated with Antavio Smith’s 2-yard run.

The Gadsden City running back took a handoff from Evans and out-raced two defenders to the left pylon. – Staff Reports

Peters, a defensive end, and Brantley linebacker Tory Upshaw each had eight tackles to lead the South’s defensive effort. Peters was named to the roster late Tuesday afternoon, joining teammates wide receiver Mikwese Claybourne and quarterback Ryan Smith.

Smith was 4-of-11 passing for the South team for 53 yards. He also rushed for 31 yards.

North quarterback Justin Evans of Midfield rushed for 64 yards on 12 carries and passed for 58 yards and a touchdown to lead the North.

The North win was its 22nd in the 52-game series. The South now leads 28-22-2 in the classic that began in 1948. In the 14 years since All-Star Sports Week commenced in 1997, the South holds an 8-6 advantage.

Evans connected with Midfield High School teammate Jamarcus Nelson for the North’s first touchdown with 1:35 left in the first half for a 7-0 lead. It was quite an unusual 37-yard connection.

Nelson and South defensive back Laprintess Morris of Jackson, who intercepted a pass earlier in the half in the back of the end zone to spoil the first North threat of the game, both appeared to latch onto the ball just inside the goal line. Nelson quickly snatched it away and then held on for a step before losing his grip on the ball. Gaining possession over the goal line meant an instant TD, however, and the North led 7-0 following Caleb Henry’s kick..

The South took the opening kick of the second half and drove 55 yards on 12 plays – eating up almost five minutes on the clock – and tied the game at 7-7 when Taylor Hughes of Chilton County connected with receiver Quindravius Richardson of Loachapoka in the back of the end zone for a touchdown with 7:01 left in the third period. Andre was true on his extra-point kick.

The North, sparked by the running of Evans, drove to the go-ahead touchdown, a 10-play, 65-yard march that culminated with Antavio Smith’s 2-yard run.

The Gadsden City running back took a handoff from Evans and out-raced two defenders to the left pylon. – Staff Reports