The rosters have been announced for the 2016 North-South football classic set for this summer in Charleston. And as expected, Class AA state champion Bridgeport will be represented as part of the event.

 

Luke Southern and Noah Markley, who will by the time the game is played be officially considered alumni, will be part of the North Bears roster. The North squad will be coached by Clay-Battelle’s Ryan Wilson.

 

Indians Coach Josh Nicewarner said he anticipates Southern to play in the secondary and for Markley to play on the defensive line. It’s where both players stood out this past season.

 

“This is well deserved for both Luke and Noah. Even though they had the rare chance to end their careers with a win it doesn’t hurt to get another game in,” said Nicewarner. “In this case, these two will be showing off their talent to a different audience than what they saw in the playoffs and even our regular season games. There will be people from every part of the state at the game.”

 

Southern brings some lofty statistics into the game. The two-year starter was seventh on the Indians in tackles with 42, but led the team – and was among the state leaders – in interceptions with seven that he returned for 148 yards. He also broke up three passes and forced a fumble.

 

“I’m not saying there’s no chance he could end up playing some wide receiver, but my money is on him playing corner,” said Nicewarner. “He’s just a well-rounded defensive player that’s got good speed, understands coverage and route recognition and on top of that is a true athlete. I think he can go toe to toe with the best in the state and flourish.”

 

Markley also arrives with impressive credentials. The all-stater was fifth on the team in tackles with 57 stops, had 14 tackles for losses totaling 40 yards, and forced an impressive eight fumbles – including one fumble recovery.

 

“Noah’s capable of playing both sides of the ball, but he’s best on defense. In fact, I have no problem saying he’s one of the best defensive linemen I’ve ever coached,” said Nicewarner. “Can he hold his own? Well, he’s not the greatest lineman of all time, but I know when Noah is challenged is when he’s at his best and when he’s at his best I’ve yet to see anyone that could handle him.”

 

For those wondering where West Virginia University scholarship player Dylan Tonkery, along with invited WVU walk-ons Dante Bonamico and Elijah Drummond are, they will be in Morgantown. Tonkery can’t play because he’s already enrolled at WVU, while Bonamico and Drummond will have their hands full getting ready for Morgantown, Nicewarner said.

 

“One other part that I think Luke and Noah will enjoy is experience a new system and a new coach,” said Nicewarner. “On top of that, they’re going to make some new friends as well.”

 

A trio of additional Harrison County athletes are on the North roster. Those competing for the North include South Harrison’s Josh McNemar and the duo of Robert C. Byrd’s Juwan Jones-Wright and Cole Fisher.

 

The game will be June 18 at Laidley Field. The contest between the North Bears and the South Cardinals will kickoff at 7 p.m. The South won 7-0 last year.

 

MetroNews has a link to the complete rosters of both teams. Click HERE to be taken to the page.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Luke Southern closing in on Fairmont Senior's Nick Davisson, while Noah Markley is shown below talking with Coach John Cole. Photos by www.benqueenphotography.com.