Washed-out: What was supposed to be a final send-off for nearly 70 graduated high school football players across the Mahoning Valley, turned into a sloppy and wet farewell at Bo Rein Stadium in Niles on Thursday. The 31st Annual Jack Arvin Football Classic was cut short because of lightning and heavy rain, resulting in a 0-0 score between the Mahoning and Trumbull County all-star teams. The game was delayed with less than three minutes remaining in the first half and eventually called after dangerous weather remained in the area. “Obviously it stinks that the rain made us stop, but it’s fun just going out there and competing,” Trumbull starting quarterback Christian Bello of Girard said. “We have guys from different schools just trying to go out there and have fun and that’s what we did for the half that we got to play.”

Fun times: While nobody is able to say they finished off their high school football careers with an all-star game win, players from both teams said they’ll remember spending time with their new teammates at practice the most.

“I had such a good time hanging with all these guys,” Mahoning quarterback Antwan Harris of Austintown Fitch said. “The practices were a lot of fun, because everybody is so good. I really enjoyed the experience a lot.” Harris, who is headed to Lake Erie College, said the game provided a nice little break from summer, but also made him realize he needs to get back into football shape before he heads off to college.

Fond memories: Bello, who will be attending Baldwin Wallace and majoring in accounting, still has college football to look forward to. But his memories at Girard will always been something he keeps with him. “I definitely made a ton of memories and I’m lucky enough to be able to go and move on and play at the next level,” Bello said. “But you never forget when you run out on Friday nights and play. This past year was such a great experience because my dad was also the coach, so every week feels like the last week. “You remember everything out there and advice for the young kids would be to live it up, because you won’t forget these days for the rest of your life.”

— Kevin Connellyr