By Joe Scalzo

scalzo@vindy.com

Two years ago, when Boardman standouts Chase Hammond and J.T. Moore played in the North-South All-Star Classic, then-sophomore Devin Campbell said to himself, “I want to be in that game.”

Today, he’ll get his wish when the Spartans running back helps lead the North squad in the 67th installment of the country’s longest-running high school football all-star game.

“It’s a great experience,” Campbell said. “It’s an honor to play with these guys.”

Campbell, a Buffalo recruit, is one of three Mahoning Valley natives in the game, joining Western Reserve QB/WR Jeff Clegg and Ursuline RB/LB Jesse Curry. (Fitch RB Will Mahone, a Notre Dame recruit was originally scheduled to play but was a late scratch.)

Also, Clegg’s head coach, Andy Hake, is an assistant under North head coach Rex Lingruen (Liberty Center.)

“I’ve been having a good team, meeting some of the better players from around the state,” said Hake, who lost his voice at Wednesday’s practice. “These kids are great kids and they’re working their [butt] off getting ready to play.

“It’s an honor to coach in the game.”

Kenton’s Mike Mauk will coach the South team, which features Ohio State recruits Najee Murray, a DB from Steubenville and Warren Ball, a RB from Columbus DeSales.

The game kicks off today at 4 p.m. at Ohio Stadium and will be televised on SportsTime Ohio Saturday at 5 p.m. The rules are designed to encourage offense, with defenses forced to play a 4-3 front and man-to-man coverage.

North’s big challenge is stopping South quarterback, Kenton’s Maty Mauk, who holds the national record for passing yards.

“We have a battle,” Hake said. “But we have guys too.”

Added Campbell, “It’s going to be a very high-scoring game. I’m just hoping to wrack up some yards, score some TDs and have fun. This kind of a test run for how every day of college football is going to be.”