By Erik Harris, sports editor
MOBILE — Hewitt-Trussville linebacker Landen Berguson gave a strong showing on Friday night in Mobile for the 62nd annual AHSAA North-South All-Star Game.
The 5’11” senior matched Jett Smith with a team-high seven tackles to go with a fourth-quarter interception, but his North All-Stars came up short of the South by a 28-20 final in Hancock Whitney Stadium. The loss extends the North’s deficit in the overall series to 32-27-22.
Berguson’s highlight came midway through the final frame and prevented a potential knockout punch from the South. Trailing 21-7 and backed down against their own goal line, the North defense stood strong as South quarterback Karson Green’s pass was deflected and intercepted by Berguson, who returned it back 18 yards.
The North offense took advantage of the sudden change, marching 86 yards on 11 plays with Tuscaloosa County running back Damien Taylor scoring from the 3-yard line with 2:20 remaining to trim the margin to 21-20. However, the 2-point try came up short.
The North defense got the ball back near midfield with 31 seconds remaining, but Lanett‘s Kadarius Zackery picked off a pass from quarterback Zyquez Perryman of Pleasant Grove and raced 54 yards for the game-sealing final TD as the South pulled out its second straight win in the series which was first played in 1948.
Carver-Montgomery linebacker Joshua Young was in on nine tackles and had a key interception to earn MVP honors for the South, which was coached by McGill-Toolen Catholic Coach Earnest Hill. Taylor finished with a North-South record 180 yards on 20 carries and scored all three North TDs to earn MVP honors.
The game was played in Mobile for the first time in the series. It is set to return in 2021 and 2022.