Lions all-star game goes to the North

Summary of the News-Sentinel story on the North's 23-14 win in the 33rd Lions Club High School All-Star Football Game at University of the Pacific's Stagg Memorial Stadium.

The 33rd Lions Club High School All-Star Football Game gave the valley's top seniors one more high-energy football night, and the North finished it with a dramatic defensive play to beat the South 23-14.

With the South driving for a potential winning score in the final minute, Armahd Lewis of Edison intercepted a pass from Nick Bates at the North 14-yard line and returned it 86 yards for a touchdown. The score came with 33 seconds left and sealed the North's fourth consecutive win in the series.

Lewis was named Defensive Player of the Game, but several Lodi-area players also made a major impact. Sal Gutierrez of Tokay was everywhere at linebacker, finishing with a game-high 16 tackles, including four tackles for loss and two stops on fourth-and-1.

North head coach Roger Canepa praised Gutierrez as both a football player and teammate, saying his all-star camp reflected what the Lions game is meant to be: a week of coaching outstanding players who are also strong representatives off the field.

Matt Fuson of Lodi played both ways and contributed in nearly every phase. He shifted into a blocking role on offense and special teams while continuing to help on defense, where he finished with six tackles. Fuson said the week gave him new friendships, a memorable final high school football experience, and preparation for playing baseball at UOP.

George Duenas of Lodi also stood out on the North offensive line. Despite giving up size to Mark Roberts, a South defensive lineman headed to Fresno State, Duenas repeatedly won his matchup and helped clear space for the North running game, including on a long drive capped by a touchdown run from Ian Lloyd of West.

Gutierrez said the Lodi and Tokay trio represented the city well and showed that the area had strong football talent ready for the next level.

View 2006 North Roster View 2006 South Roster

Adapted for the Lions All-Star Football website from a News-Sentinel story by Richard Banas II, published July 16, 2006.