Sports: Part-time QB leads South in 23-3 romp

Part-time QB leads South in 23-3 romp

By LAURA LEE

LARGO -- B.J. Hall had been aching to play quarterback all season. But Dixie Hollins needed him at wide receiver, and Hall, who had four starts in the pocket, was often trying to catch a pass instead of throwing it.

"I felt during the season I really didn't get to show myself at quarterback," Hall said.

Although Hall didn't get the start Wednesday night, he threw for 105 yards and one touchdown, leading the South to a 23-3 win over the North.

"I thought, 'It's my time to shine and show them that you can play quarterback,' " said Hall, the game MVP.

Alternating possessions with Admiral Farragut's Marshall Hampton, Hall put the South on the board in the first quarter, connecting with Boca Ciega's Carl Berman for a 34-yard touchdown.

But, while Hall enjoyed his time at quarterback, the South defense was the star of the game, holding the North to 58 total yards on offense.

Farragut's James Lowe had two sacks and a blocked punt, but he said his favorite play of the game came on a North punt from its own 30-yard line. Thanks to a bad snap, the ball bounced to the 3 before a North player recovered it and was promptly tackled by Lowe. The South also benefitted from Dixie Hollins defenders Curtis Chance and George Lovett. Chance blocked a punt, recovered a fumble and had a sack, and Lovett made a key interception in the first half.

The North defense was led by Clearwater Central Catholic's Nick Capogna, named the game's most valuable defensive lineman.

"I was looking to prove something for myself," said Capogna, who has committed to play at South Florida. "That I could play with these kids."

Dunedin's Aaron Ford snagged two interceptions for the North as well.

With so much talent in the game, it's impossible for everyone to make great plays. The county's leading rusher, Seminole's Joey Fabrizio, had just three carries for 5 yards. He said he knew he wouldn't get the 20 touches he's accustomed to but was hoping for a better showing.

"Hopefully, they already know what I've done the whole year," Fabrizio said referring to onlooking college scouts. "I've put up the numbers. Now it's in their hands."

In its ninth year, the game has helped players earn scholarships. Success stories include former Countryside punter Mike Kilgore, who signed with Virginia Tech, and former Clearwater receiver Chris Daniels, who signed with Purdue.