In a game that featured some of the best talent in Florida, the 68th annual FACA All-Star-Game did not disappoint. The game included three skirmishes with the third one that nearly turned into a brawl. Both teams wanted to win and it did not matter that this was an exhibition football game. Once the competitive juices got flowing, the game got intense.

Both teams punted the ball away early. Eventually with 1 minute left in the first quarter the North got the scoring started when Bryson Rouillier out of Gulf Breeze caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from Tyray Davis from Wekiva to put the North up 6-0 however the North would miss the extra point.

Early in the second quarter the South went on a nice drive down the field before Heritage’s Axzavion Alexander would catch a 14-yard touchdown pass from Air Force Commit Jacob Drackett to make it 7-6. Drackett played his high school football at Calvary Christian and he showed why he headed to an NCAA Division 1 program. Drackett can run and pass. He will fit in nicely with Air Force who chooses to keep the ball on the ground. But Drackett will bring a passing game to Air Force shall they need it.

(South Sumter’s Ty Kadur left stands next to Lake Minneola’s Braylon Knauth right.)

Midway through the 2nd quarter the South scored once again as the North began to sputter on offense. After another drive down the field. Rutgers commit Edd Guerrier had a nice 13-yard touchdown run to make it 14-6 for the South All-Stars. Gurrier was one of the star players on the field headed to a Power 5 conference next year.

The South looked like they might be pulling away but Dunnellon’s Chris Henry for the North was able to scoop up a 63-yard fumble return for a touchdown which was one of the bigger highlights of the game. That made it 14-13.

As halftime loomed the North had to punt the ball with around 22 seconds remaining in the first half. That’s when Chase Jarrett blocked a punt for the South and returned it for a 35-yard touchdown. The score was 21-13 at halftime.

During halftime South Sumter High School’s Ty Kadur was one of the Scott Brantley Trophy winners. He and Fred Gaskins III from Vanguard ended up the prestigious winners of this trophy. Although Gaskins was not playing in the game due to his commitment to USF, Kadur accepted his award in his full North outfit. Kadur had an awesome day defensively making a few tackles and hurries on the quarterbacks. Congratulations to both men. This is South Sumter’s second year in a row that they have had a player as a finalist for the trophy.

(Ty Kadur was presented with a check along with Fred Gaskins III with Vanguard for the Scott Brantley award at halftime at the FACA All-Star-Game.)

Ty Kadur was one of four Sumter and Lake County students playing in the game. The others included South Lake High’s Kevens Charles who was a running back, Lake Minneola’s Braylon Knauth a wide receiver and The Villages, Cliff Bridges who also played wide receiver.

As the third quarter began The South All-Stars began to take off. Sebring’s Dyveon Collymore caught a 34-yard touchdown pass from Jacob Drackett. It was Drackett’s second touchdown pass of the day. It looked like the South might take off with just 8 minutes remaining in the game and hold on to win but then a fight broke out.

South Lake’s Kevens Charles had a few chances to run the ball in the game. Although he had a minimal impact during the game it was his practice sessions that impressed coaches this week. The 6″2 218lb running back had only played one year of tackle football. He is looking for an opportunity somewhere.)

Two linemen began going at it around the 40-yard line on the North’s side of the field. An offensive and defensive lineman wrestled to the ground and then other players became involved. It escalated quickly as members of the FACA staff rushed onto the field to break it up. Eventually when things settled, the North ended up on the South side of the field.

This allowed Williston’s Jace McDonald to catch a 13-yard pass from Tyray Davis who made it a one score game with 3:50 left on the clock.

The North kicked it back to the South and with just 1:35 seconds left the North would force the South into a crucial mistake as they fumbled the ball on a third down play. The North had a chance to come down and tie the game.

But the stingy South defense would ultimately force the North into a 4th and 2 situation near the redzone of the South. Unfortunately, the North could not convert and the South All-Stars won the 68th FACA All-Star Game 28-20.

This game had everything you wanted. It was competitive and showcased some of Florida’s best talent. We wish all players the best of luck as they transition to their respective schools next year and hopefully this game was enough to allow some scouts to take a chance on one of these talented athletes who might not have any offers.

We certainly enjoyed the game and look forward to the 69th edition next year!