Lions All-Stars Settle for Tie
The North and South battled to a 21-21 tie in the 41st annual Central California Lions All-Star Classic in Tracy, marking only the second tie in 41 years of the series. Even with the draw, the North still held a 24-15-2 edge all-time and had won eight of the previous 10 meetings.
The game swung on a series of unusual all-star moments, including successful extra points from rosters with no true kickers and a dramatic blocked 23-yard field goal on the final play that preserved the tie. The South had tied the game earlier in the fourth quarter on a 24-yard touchdown pass from Kendel Johnson of Central Valley to Travante Richard of Merced, then added the point after following a penalty.
Kendel Johnson, better known as a running quarterback, earned Game MVP after throwing for 138 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 79 yards. Gaige Allen of Kimball was named Offensive MVP for the North after making big plays as a slot receiver, including a 49-yard touchdown catch on the second play of the game and another touchdown later in the first quarter. Alex Laurel of Manteca also added a short rushing score for the North.
Travante Richard did just about everything for the South, catching eight passes for 102 yards while also kicking all three PATs. For the North, Daniel Ruffin of Stagg made all three extra points and added explosive work at running back and on kick returns.
The Defensive MVP was Bryan Pascual of St. Mary's. Known more for catching passes during his high school career, Pascual intercepted the first play run by the South, broke up three more passes, made seven tackles, and helped bring late pressure on the final field-goal try. The North also got a dominant defensive effort from George Obinna of Tracy, who finished with 3 1/2 sacks and repeatedly hit the quarterbacks.
The North, led by the coaching staff of Louis Franklin of Tokay, and the South, led by Rob Scheidt of Merced, both leaned on standout defenses throughout the night. Sam Scheidt posted a game-high eight tackles for the South, while Jordan Levu of Patterson added constant pressure and helped create turnovers.
Organizers estimated attendance at Wayne Schneider Stadium at around 2,500, with committee members noting that the crowd appeared to be several hundred stronger than the year before. In the end, the 2014 classic was remembered for a rare tied finish, outstanding all-around play, and one of the more unusual special-teams nights in series history.