Although it’s not certain if it will take place, planning is moving ahead for the annual North-South football contest to take place in Kanawha County. If activities resume in light of the Coronavirus pandemic, the game will take place June 13 at South Charleston High School’s Black Eagle Stadium.

 

There is also a contingency plan to move the game back a week to June 20. A decision on that could come early in May.

 

As is usually the case, there will be representation from Bridgeport High School whenever the game is played. This year, senior lineman Michael Watkins will man the North Bears roster.

 

“He’s very deserving to get a shot in this game and he’ll be a valuable player for them,” said Bridgeport Coach John Cole. “He can play, and play well, on both sides of the line."

 

Watkins was a force on the line this year, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, for the Indians. He was a key component in the Tribe’s 13-1 season that ended with a 21-14 win against Bluefield in the Class AA championship game

 

“He was one of our team leaders this year as a senior. He helped lead the way on the offensive line and especially was important and at times dominant on the defensive line” said Cole.

 

Watkins, despite being a tackle, still managed to finish third on the team in tackles with 56 stops. He also led the team with 3.5 sacks. Those numbers helped earn him second team Class AA All-State honors and a selection on the All-Big 10 and All-Harrison County teams.

 

A coach familiar with Watkins will be in charge of the North sideline. Daran Hayes of North Marion will coach the North, while Ray Lee of Greenbrier East will coach the South Cardinals.

 

Cole said Watkins would like to play college football. He said Watkins will attend Fairmont State University and has talked with the coaching staff about playing for the Falcons. Standout Carson Winkie, who was the most valuable player of the ‘AA’ title game, has a previous commitment and is unable to compete in the game, said Cole.

 

Watkins will be joined by several players from Harrison County. Robert C. Byrd lineman Brock Robey, South Harrison defensive back Landon McFadden, and Liberty running back-linebacker Seth McIntire have also been listed.

 

Below is the roster for both teams.

 

North Bears All-Star roster:

 

Michael Watkins – Bridgeport, OL/DL

Brandon Penn – Parkersburg South, QB/DB

Malachi Brown – Martinsburg, WR/DB

Jarod Bowie – Martinsburg, RB/WR/DB

Jared Griffth – Lewis County, K

Dawson Tingler – Petersburg, TE/DE

Corbin Pierson – Jefferson, QB

Nic Kuhn – Lewis County, WR/DB

Elijah Gillette – Weir, WR/DB

Xavier Morris – Wheeling Park, WR/DB

Jeff Tucker – Parkersburg South, H/DE

Devin Heath – Hedgesville, WR/DB

Gunner Murphy – North Marion, QB

Dylan Day – Parkersburg South, WR/DB

Landon McFadden – So. Harrison, UT/DB

Michael Lemley – Oak Glen, WR/DB

Trent Hlusko – North Marion, LB

Brennen Seacrist – Madonna, WR/DB

Jeb Boice – Parkersburg Catholic, RB/LB

Hunter America – Doddridge, RB/DB

Max Camilletti – Brooke, RB/DB

Zach Taylor – Oak Glen, WR/LB

Logan Raber – University, RB/LB

Dom Postlewait – East Fairmont, WR/DB

Seth McIntire – Liberty-Harrison, RB/LB

Jalen Brunny – Park. Catholic, H/DE

Nate Kowalski – Fairmont Senior, OL/DE

Jack Saines – Wheeling Park, OL

Don Woodworth – Keyser, OL/DL

Dom Owens – Fairmont Senior, OL/DL

Jackson Biser – Keyser, TE/LB

Ty Lucas – Martinsburg, OL/DL

Lance Payton – Fairmont Senior, OL

Brock Robey- Robert C. Byrd, OL

Corey Shaffer – Jefferson, OL/DL

Cole James – Doddridge, OL/DL

Michael Watkins – Bridgeport, OL/DL

 

South Cardinals All-Star roster:

 

Chase Berry – Chapmanville, QB

Gunner Harmon – Wayne, QB

Ethan Varney – Tug Valley, QB/DB

Monroe Mohler – James Monroe, QB/DB

Liam Fultineer – Mt. View, OL

Tanner Jenkins – Wyoming East, OL

Ian McKinney- Shady Spring, OL

Hunter McMicken – Van, OL

Ian Pomeroy – Beckley, OL

Caden Easterling – Riverside, RB

Cameron Foster – Nitro, RB

Marion Lawson – Greenbrier East, RB/DL

Xander Castillo – James Monroe, WR/DB

Drew Hatfield – Mingo Central, WR

Kyle King – Greenbrier East, WR/DB

Alex Mazelon – George Washington, WR

Quentin Moody – ManWR/DB

Matt Stone – Poca, TE/DE

Logan Vance – Clay, WR

Bomani Brooks – Hurricane, DL

Marcell Guy – Independence, OL/DL

Cameron Lovejoy – Buffalo, DL

Andrew Preast – G. Washington, OL/DL

Stone Sartin – Tolsia, DL

Jacob Anthony – Ravenswood, LB

Ben Kee – Herbert Hoover, LB

Houston Scott – Greenbrier East, LB

Gavin Shamblin – Sissonville, FB/LB

Logan Spurlock – Capital, LB

Austin Stephenson – Riverside, LB

Tay Calloway – Capital, RB/DB

Haven Chapman – Shady Spring, DB

Zach Frye – Man, DB

Hayden Hass – Cabell Midland, DB

Isaiah Osborne – Riverside, DB

Erick Bevil – Shady Spring, K/P

 

Editor's Note: Photo of Michael Watkins by Ben Queen Photography.