LEXINGTON — Fifty high school football players, stretching across Richland, Crawford and Ashland counties are lacing up their cleats to compete one more time at the high school level.
The North Central Ohio All-Star Football Classic kicks off Saturday at 7 p.m. at Lexington High School.
“It’s a very exciting game for both sides. Both coaches (North head coach Ed Phillips, of Seneca East; and South head coach Ed Honabarger, of Danville) have a great passion for football and a great passion for the kids,” Lexington Athletic Director Joe Roberts said.
South’s Honabarger will bring seven of his own players. Danville made the state semifinals last year. The game’s rosters include three of the four top scorers in the area. Five players rushed for at least 1,000 yards.
Honabarger said it’s a pleasure to work with such talented athletes, but said he felt he doesn’t have enough time to spend with them. Both teams have been practicing just four days.
“Usually we try and keep it (playbook) simple. Hope kids can grasp it as soon as possible,” Honabarger said. “Keep it simple and you get more success.”
Honabarger said both sides of the ball, but especially the defense has impressed him; particularly the defensive line.
“Linebackers, whole defense, really, gets pressure on the quarterback,” he said. “Our defense is stout and quick.”
Similarly, Phillips said his roster is so juiced with talent his team reminds him of his time as the running backs coach for Tiffin University from 2004 though 2007.
“It’s a lot of fun. Not only are they all great players, but they are intelligent. They are picking up on things quickly,” Phillips said. “They’ve done an outstanding job in the last couple days. They have really gelled — come around.”
An old adage, defense travels, holds true according to Honabarger.
“The defense flies around and hits people,” the South coach said.
The offense is all about timing, which is harder to master in four days of practice.
“If someone can get a pick-six, fumble return or kick return, it will change the outcome of the game,” he predicted.
Both head coaches said they expect to see a great football game, featuring hard-hitting and a close-scoring contest.
“They way Honabarager plays, we both go for big, electrifying plays if you can protect the quarterback,” Phillips said. “We want to have a good game.”
Roberts said the athletes deserved to be celebrated one last time. He hopes to have a large crowd to show support.
“It’s just great to highlight these young men on the field one last time,” Roberts said. It’s one last opportunity to let them play football before going off to college or starting their careers. A great way to highlight them — give them one final opportunity to play.”
