Stout-Led South Wins Lions Game

The South beat the North 38-13 in the first Lions All-Star game played since 2019, with the return of the event also carrying added historical weight because three 200-win coaches were in attendance: South co-head coach Trent Merzon, assistant coach Mike Glines, and game founder Wayne Schneider. The win gave the South victories in four of the last five games, although the North still led the all-time series 26-18-2.

Joey Stout of Pitman was voted the overall MVP after scoring on a 78-yard run and later catching a touchdown pass from Eleazar Garza of Golden Valley. Garza, who came back from a serious leg injury suffered during the previous season, was named Offensive MVP after passing for 159 yards and helping direct the South attack. Jahkylle Smith of Golden Valley added two rushing touchdowns, while Cole Gilbert of Turlock contributed as the second quarterback.

The North stayed in the game through the first half behind a long touchdown pass from Jayden McKey of Kimball to Tyree Owens of Edison and a rushing score by Johnel Pettus of Edison. A possible momentum swing in the third quarter disappeared when a Kai Elkins of Summerville interception return for a touchdown was wiped out by penalty, and the South answered with a touchdown drive to stretch the lead. Roland Brown of Central Catholic earned Defensive MVP with two interceptions, while the South defense also got strong work from Luis Vargas of Hilmar, Brock Osmundson of Oakdale, LeBron Stallworth of Ceres, and Jaelen Nichols of Central Catholic.