Some of East Tennessee’s most talented senior high school football players will get to play for a greater cause while showcasing their skills in Saturday’s inaugural Scenic City All-Star Classic.
The East-versus-West pairing will kick off at Boyd Buchanan School at 3 p.m. with $10 ticket proceeds going toward The Real AJ foundation, a nonprofit entity that spreads awareness of cerebral palsy.
“What’s great is these talented athletes are getting extra exposure and a chance to give back to their community before leaving,” Howard football coach and game director John Starr said. “Back several years ago when I was in Atlanta, we offered an all-star game and saw a number of guys get scholarships based on their performance. I have already had a number of college coaches call me and say they are going to attend the game, and that is special for these kids.”
Central’s Hunter Jones (4), who had more than 1,500 all-purpose yards this past season, is one of many area senior football players who will try to shine in Saturday’s inaugural Scenic City All-Star Classic at Boyd Buchanan. / Staff file photo by Erin O. SmithCentral’s Hunter Jones (5-foot-10, 180 pounds) surpassed 1,500 all-purpose yards this season (including more than 900 rushing and 400 receiving), had 78 tackles and took two of his three kickoff returns for touchdowns.
“Since I was little, I wanted to become the first in my family to make it to college and play football at the highest level,” said Jones, who averaged 9 yards per carry this season. “I hope to show everyone in Chattanooga what talents I bring and show college coaches how well I can play the game.”
The Scenic City All-Star Classic is the first local showcase game to be played right after high school football season. The long-running Tennessee-Georgia All-Star Football Classic organized by the late Stump Martin was regularly in June.
East Ridge’s Jalen Boykin, left will suit up in Saturday’s Scenic City All-Star Classic at Boyd Buchanan. Boykin made more than 400 tackles in his high school career. / Staff file photo by Erin O. SmithThe West team will be led by East Ridge coach Tim James, while the East will be guided by East Hamilton’s Grant Reynolds.
Silverdale Baptist Academy receiver Jordan Sanders (6-5, 210) hopes to make dreams a reality after closing a stellar prep career with 550 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 2019.
“I am excited to play football as a high school athlete one more time with some of my old teammates and some new guys,” said Sanders, who has a preferred-walk-on offer from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. “God placed me on this earth to use the talent he’s blessed me with to my full potential. I haven’t stopped working toward my dreams.”
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.
Howard’s Eric Johnson (4) scored 20 total touchdowns this season while rushing for more than 1,000 yards and intercepting five passes. Johnson will be one of several Hustlin’ Tigers to play in Saturday’s Scenic City All-Star Classic at Boyd Buchanan. / Staff file photo by Robin Rudd