Alabama All-Stars Impress Ahead of 39th Annual Football Classic
HATTIESBURG, MS – With just a few days remaining until the 39th annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Football Classic, Alabama’s head coach, Kirk Johnson, is confident in his team’s abilities. Following Wednesday’s practice, the Benjamin Russell High School coach expressed his satisfaction with the squad’s performance.
The game is scheduled for a noon kickoff this Saturday at M.M. Roberts Stadium on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi.
“These guys are all-stars,” Johnson stated. “They are looking like all-stars too.”
Johnson highlighted several standout players who have caught his attention during the team’s three completed workouts.
Jackson High School’s Ezavier “EJ” Crowell, an Alabama signee, received high praise. “EJ is a freak… he is amazing,” Johnson said. Crowell finished his high school football career by leading his team to consecutive Class 4A state championships. He was also the AHSAA’s leading rusher with 2,638 yards and 31 touchdowns this year, including a 304-yard performance in the Aggies’ 52-0 victory over Anniston in the Super 7 finals.
Johnson also commended two of his own players from Benjamin Russell High School: wide receiver Ce’darian Morgan (Alabama signee) and uncommitted defensive back B.J. Bedgood. “I have seen them both every day in our practices back home do some amazing things, and both are fitting in well here,” he noted.
On the defensive side, Anthony “Tank” Jones of St. Paul’s Episcopal has made a significant impact. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound linebacker, an Oregon commit, was described as “exceptional” by Johnson, who expects him to make big plays for the team.
Carver-Montgomery wide receiver and Mississippi State signee Zion Crumpton was also singled out for his strong performance.
The Alabama All-Stars enter the contest on a four-game winning streak and hold a 27-11 lead in the all-time series, which began in 1988. The roster is filled with talent, featuring 25 players committed to SEC, ACC, and Big 10 programs.
Handling quarterback duties are Landon Duckworth of Jackson High School, Crowell’s future college teammate at Alabama, and Spain Park’s Brock Bradley, who is committed to Clemson.
The linebacking corps is a point of strength, featuring Chauncy Alo (Thompson), Keenan Britt (Oxford), Tristan Lyles (Central-Phenix City), Zayden Hall (Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa), Miles Khatri (Pike Road), and Greg Williams (Auburn High School).
The team is scheduled for two practices on Thursday and a final session on Friday morning at Camp Shelby, where the players are being housed.
The weekend’s events include a banquet for players and parents on Friday evening and a Fellowship of Christian Athletes breakfast on Saturday morning before the game. The Alabama-Mississippi Classic is a joint event organized by the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association (AHSADCA) and the Mississippi Association of Coaches (MAC).
For the first time, the game will be broadcast live across the entire state of Alabama via the AHSAA TV Network and its partner, Alabama Public Television, as well as on the NFHS Network.
FEATURED IMAGE: Alabama All-Stars head coach Kirk Johnson addresses his squad following Wednesday’s afternoon practice. Kickoff will be at noon on Saturday at the University of Southern Mississippi’s M.M. Roberts Stadium. (AHSAA PHOTO | Colton Lawrence).
