All-Star football: South dominates McClain's North squad in Lions game
James McClain of Tokay and the North briefly felt momentum swing their way after a third-quarter safety, but the South controlled most of the game defensively and pulled away late for a 24-2 victory in the 45th annual Lions All-Star Football Game at Wayne Schneider Stadium in Tracy.
The North's only points came with 11:38 left in the third quarter, when South quarterback Gabe Sanchez of Patterson was sacked in the end zone. McClain, rotating in at left tackle, and his teammates believed that moment could spark a rally, but the South defense shut the door from there. The North committed four turnovers and failed on eight fourth-down attempts, never finding the scoring drive it needed.
The South's defense turned the close game into a rout in the final minutes. With 2:49 left, Gabriel Cordero of Turlock scooped up a North fumble and raced 50 yards for a touchdown. Edmond Adams of Waterford added the extra point for a 17-2 lead. After another North turnover, this time an interception by Irik Dobbins of Buhach Colony, Anthony Caballero of Los Banos capped the scoring with a 14-yard touchdown run in the final seconds.
The South had already established control in the first half. Dobbins opened the scoring with a 24-yard field goal in the first quarter, and later his interception at the North 5-yard line wiped away a prime North scoring chance. Near halftime, the South took advantage of another turnover and Cordero scored on a 12-yard run with just over a minute left in the second quarter for a 10-0 halftime lead.
Even in defeat, McClain spoke positively about the week. He said the all-star experience was meaningful because it allowed players to get to know former opponents, live together at the University of the Pacific dorms, and enjoy one last high school football environment before college. He also noted that he was not finished with football and had already moved on to summer workouts at Delta College.
For Frank Marques of Hilmar, the South head coach, the win evened his record to 1-1 in Lions games as a head coach and also added another chapter to a personal connection that stretches back to his own playing days in the 1981 game. With this result, the South improved to five wins in the last six meetings, although the North still held the all-time edge at 25-18-2.
The article also noted that former Tokay wide receiver / defensive back Josh Kirchner had been part of the North squad until late in the week, when he suffered an injury and left the team before the game.
View 2018 North Roster View 2018 South Roster