As the regular season continues for high school football programs across Mississippi, we now have a better look at who will be representing the state in an annual battle against a team from neighboring Alabama. We also know who will be carrying the banner for the northern and southern regions of Mississippi for an in-state showdown.
Rosters have officially been announced for the 2025 Mississippi/Alabama All-Star game, along with the Bernard Blackwell Classic. Here’s who will be on display in each matchup:
Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game
Leading the Mississippi coaching staff will be Laurel’s Ryan Ernest as the frontman, while Brandon’s Lance Pogue serves as the defensive coordinator, and Gulfport’s Blake Pennick holds down the fort as offensive coordinator.
The offensive side of the ball features New Albany’s Braden Perry at quarterback, Tupelo standout JJ Hill at running back, Hattiesburg star Tristen Keys at wideout, Ocean Springs’ Hayden Berglind at tight end, and Picayune’s Mitchell Smith on the offensive line.
Defensively, the group is anchored by Tupelo’s JaReylan McCoy on the defensive line, Pascagoula’s Jarrad Loper at linebacker, Holmes County Central’s Terrell Johnson at defensive back, and Brandon’s Ashley Preston at safety. Hernando’s Will Uselton will be the team’s kicker and punter.
This year’s Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Football Game will be played on Saturday, Dec. 13, at M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg. Kickoff is set for noon. Alabama won last year’s battle 35-29.
Bernard Blackwell Classic
For the north region of Mississippi, the team will be led by East Webster head coach Ron Price. Notable assistants are Germantown’s Russell Mitchell and Shannon’s Ken Topps.
The offense will be headlined by Germantown’s King White at quarterback, Kemper County’s Demarius Yates at running back, Holmes County Central’s Jaiden Tucker at wide receiver, Germantown’s William Harris at tight end, and Smithville’s Wes Wiggins on the offensive line.
Defensively, the north will spotlight Shannon’s Jaiden Clark on the defensive line, Grenada’s Jereon Reed at linebacker, and Ridgeland’s Dakari Wallace at defensive back. East Webster’s Jordan Gaskin will punt, while Clinton’s Braylon Spann will take care of kickoffs, extra-point attempts, and field goals.
The south’s team in the annual rivalry will be headed by Terry frontman Kris Thigpen. Notable assistant coaches include Union’s Jordan Wren and Quitman’s Josh Pulphus.
Offensively, the crew will be showcased by Pearl’s Jack Durr at quarterback, Perry Central’s Cephus Pruitt at running back, Morton’s Xavier McDonald at wide receiver, McComb’s Broderick Peters at tight end, and Brandon’s Aydan Newell on the offensive line.
On the other side of the ball, the south will be represented by Raleigh’s Jamarion Owens on the defensive line, Biloxi’s Jaquan Thompson at linebacker, and Brookhaven’s Eddie Ratliff Jr. at defensive back. Ocean Springs kicker Peyton Williams will serve as the primary specialist.
This year’s Bernard Blackwell Classic will kick off at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, at Gulfport High School’s Milner Stadium. The north won last year’s game 16-13.
