On a cold and misty day in DeKalb County’s Hallford Stadium, the East All-Stars defeated their West counterparts 13-0 in the DeKalb Senior All-Star Game. The game was played by senior stars from several DeKalb County public high schools, with St. Pius the only private school taking part.Jo
The East was led by an outstanding defensive effort spearheaded by linebacker Patrick Callaway of ML King and defensive end Brandon Rhodes of Chamblee. Callaway and Rhodes harassed the West offense all game, causing sacks, tackles for loss, pass break-ups and quarterback pressures.
Defensive back Kadetrix Marcus of Stephenson, one of the high-profile recruits in the game, lived up to his billing. Marcus, a South Carolina commit, had several tackles for the West including one where he basically knocked the ball-carrier down with a forearm shiver just as it looked like the runner might juke him out of position. The hit drew ooohs and aahs from the crowd.
Despite Marcus’ best efforts, the East took a 7-0 lead in the second quarter when Lakeside teammates Don Cox and Eric Cloyd hooked up on a 60-yard touchdown pass and catch for the game’s only touchdown. Cloyd broke open down the left sideline and Cox hit him with a perfect deep ball. Cloyd then outran the West secondary for the score.
Also in the second quarter, the two teams traded turnovers in a wild sequence. First, Avondale defensive back Bernard Gardner picked off West quarterback Derrick McQueen of Columbia. Then, on the next play, Columbia linebacker Damonta Dearcy caused and recovered a fumble by an East running back.
But the West would not get on the board and the two teams went to the half with the East leading 7-0.
The second half was highlighted by more great defense from the East as well as a clutch 28-yard reception by Alex Avant of St. Pius X who gathered in a fourth-down pass by Cox. The East drive would stall in West territory. However, kicker Blair Stewart nailed a 42-yard field goal to give the East a 10-0 edge. Stewart would kick another field goal in the fourth quarter ─ this one from 30 yards ─ to close the scoring.
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