Double-header to showcase Georgia’s talent like never before

The third installment of Georgia’s annual junior all-star game will feature a sophomore game for the first time. The newly-named Georgia Junior Sophomore Elite Classic will see the best sophomores in the state square off before the juniors take the field in the back- end of the double-header. In just two years, the classic has presented two thrilling games, incredible individual performances and unpredictable storylines.

Last year’s classic was dominated by North Gwinnett’s K.J. Hancock, who hauled in nine catches for 150 yards and three touchdowns to lead the North team to a 45-38 victory. Hancock was a late addition to the classic that ended up winning the game’s overall MVP and is now set to sign at Miami (Ohio) this February.

JOINING FORCES

While the individual performances are always exciting to see, watching players from all over the state and each classification come together is a true representation of the excellence of Georgia High School Football. The Class A standouts get a chance to prove their ability with the state’s higher classifications and the competiveness creates must-see matchups on every snap.

Blessed Trinity’s Conor Davis quarterbacked the South team last year with his four-touchdown performance and 20-of-26 passing for 357 yards. Davis hit Marion County’s Lorenzo Smothers on a crossing route that resulted in a one-handed touchdown grab that went viral around the football community.

Two minutes later, the South team was on the board again as Davis connected with McEachern transfer Tyler Simmons, who then pitched back to his new Indians teammate Sam Jackson on the hook and ladder for a 55-yard touchdown. Davis also hit Colquitt County star Kiel Pollard for a 7-yard touchdown.

This all-star game has boasted some of the state’s most accomplished defensive players each year. Roswell’s Marcelino Ball stole the spotlight last year as he turned in 10 tackles and one tackle for loss to earn Defensive MVP.

The talent filling this year’s rosters will attract recruiting attention from all over the country. In the junior game, some of the state’s biggest names are set to star in this year’s edition. Mill Creek center Tyler Fannin anchors the American team offensive line and will have Bailey Hockman (McEachern), Baron Radcliff  (Norcross) and Jack Dinges (Marist) to snap to.

Out wide, Northside-Warner Robins star Tobias Oliver will get looks at receiver, which will be a change of pace after quarterbacking the run-heavy Eagles offense.

Four-star Brookwood standout Leonard Warner is a player to watch on the American defense. The 6-foot-4, 219-pound junior has already received offers from Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Duke and Boston College among many others and will be able to showcase his speed against a fast National team with one of the top backs in the state this season leading the backfield.

Roswell running back Sheldon Evans joins Stockbridge’s Jalen Holston and North Cobb’s C.J. Cole in the National back eld. Evans helped lead Roswell to a 14-1 season with his 1,798 rushing yards and 27 rushing touch- downs.

PROVEN PASSERS

On the National Team, Grayson’s Chase Brice and Griffin’s Tylan Morton will quarterback the offense with Woodward Academy’s Ryan Glover. Brice recently committed to Clemson and Morton is a 6-foot-5 passer that can gain momentum heading into his senior season with the Bears. Glover is coming off a breakout season quarterbacking the War Eagles and  finished with 2,740 yards through the air, 26 touchowns and just  five interceptions during this year’s run to the 4A semifinals.

Bringing versatility to the National o ense will be Glynn Academy’s electrifying quarter- back Deejay Dallas (ATH). Dallas will be able to take snaps at wide receiver and running back to showcase his coveted skillset. Three-star Connor Heyward out of Peachtree Ridge will also focus his versatility into the wide receiver role and at 6-foot-1, 202-pounds will challenge the American defense.

TIME TO SHINE

The sophomore rosters consist of Georgia’s emerging Class of 2018 stars and players that have already used varsity experience to attract recruiting attention from the country’s top programs. Woodstock quarterback Garrett Bass leads the sophomore American team with North Gwinnett’s Cade Fortin. Ninth-grader Dominick Blaylock will get his chance to shine after stealing the show last year in the eighth grade game. Blaylock nished last year’s eighth grade game with 107 receiving yards o six receptions and was named the Offensive MVP. Blaylock received his rst SEC o er before he even stepped foot in Walton High School and is considered one of the top Class of 2019 pros- pects in the nation. Mays’ receiver Jaquez Smith will line up as a 9th grader for the National team and will get a chance to attract early recruiting attention.

Peachtree Ridge head coach Mark Fleetwood (National) and Stockbridge head coach Kevin Whitley (American) will coach the sophomore teams. The junior teams will be led by McEachern head coach Kyle Hockman (American) and Archer head coach Andy Dyer (National). Hockman and Dyer have met in back-to-back postseasons and will open next season against each other in the final game of the 25th Metro PCS Corky Kell Classic.