Why MS-AL all star game means everything for 2 Coast high school football stars
The Gulf Coast region has seven players representing the state in the annual Mississippi-Alabama All Star game on Saturday.
The contest pits the best seniors from across the two states against each other in what has become the premier game for both states.
The game itself and the practices leading up to it offer players one final opportunity to receive coaching from select high school coaches and perform against top recruits in front of college coaches from across the U.S.
It’s a golden opportunity for some who have yet to make a decision on where they’re heading upon graduation, much like the situation D’Iberville tight end Colton DeShazo finds himself in.
“It’s honestly just a blessing,” DeShazo said. “I’ve worked so hard all my life for moments and opportunities like these. I’m just grateful all the work I’ve put in and the sacrifices I’ve made are finally starting to pay off.”
DeShazo currently holds 11 offers from next-level institutions. Eight of those offers are from community colleges and two of them, Nicholls State and Samford, are Division I schools.
The senior finished his high school career with 864 career receiving yards and 722 rushing yards with 13 total touchdowns for the Warriors.
The final game gives DeShazo the chance to put his production in front of more collegiate coaches.
“I’m hoping coaches can see that I can keep up with the best of the best,” DeShazo said. “Hopefully that will help out my recruitment, going against top tier guys every single play and showing I can keep up with these guys.”
It’s not just the game that helps provide athletes with further exposure and work, but the practices play a big role in improving the players’ game and giving them a closer look at what the talent at the next level with look like.
“It’s not like just your regular, typical high school practice or high school game,” DeShazo said. “Some of those guys may never be able to play football again but these guys have careers in this game. It’s super awesome to go up against these guys every single play.”
For Poplarville linebacker Khalid Moore, the opportunity to play in the extra game is just as important. With his next destination already decided, though, the event means more to him about working on his craft.
“It helps me a lot,” Moore said. “All these coaches are great coaches. I feel like they’re going to be just like these coaches are at the next level. They’re teaching me and being a little hard on me. If I mess up or got a question to ask, they’re helping me out a lot.”
Moore is a Mississippi State commit who plans on signing during the early signing period on Dec 15. He’s lining up with several other Bulldog commits, giving Moore the opportunity to build on his relationship with his future teammates.
“This is making our connection better for when we get up to State,” Moore said. “We know each other but this will be our first time playing with each other.”
For both Moore and DeShazo, the chance they get to represent their home is a blessing not lost on either of them.
“I went and got my helmet from school and took it home,” Moore said. “It feels good to put it on again. A lot of people really don’t get to do this and I’m really blessed to be able to do this, playing one last game against the best players in the state.
“I’m hoping and I’m pretty sure I’m going to do good. Put on for my city and the Gulf Coast. I’m pretty sure I’m the first player from my school to be in the Mississippi-Alabama game so I got to do good.”
D’Iberville sent Jaden Walley to the game in 2019 and is now at Mississippi State. DeShazo is excited about being the next Warrior to play in the contest.
“I get to represent my city and the coast and where I’m from,” DeShazo said. “It’s a blessing to be able to keep the tradition going.”
DeShazo and Moore are joined by five other coastal players in Hattiesburg. Moss Point wide receiver Larry Simmons, George County defensive back Marquez Dortch, Gautier offensive lineman Bryson Hurst, Biloxi defensive lineman RJ Moss and St. Martin kicker Gabe Showalter will also be participating.
Gulfport head coach John Archie will serve as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for Mississippi.
The game is set to kick off at noon inside M.M. Roberts Stadium on Saturday.
