Two former Point Loma High football players were selected to play in the recent Alex Spanos All-Star Classic matching top graduating seniors from the North and South regions of San Diego County.
College-bound defensive back Antonio Pelayo and offensive lineman Arthur Daniels were named to the South roster. Unfortunately, Daniels re-injured his hand and was unable to play in the game.
This year’s game, played on Jan. 21 at Mesa College, marks the 27th year for the annual event, making it the longest-running prep all-star game in California.
The game, sponsored by the former San Diego Chargers, offers players one last time to suit up and play in front of family and friends to officially close their high school careers. Uniforms feature the distinctive Charger lightning bolt stripe on their pants.
Some of those playing have committed to colleges, however many, such as Pelayo and Daniels, have yet to sign.
Coaching the South team this year was Joel Allen of The Bishop’s School. Allen and his South squad absorbed a 48-17 beating by the North, led by Rancho Bernardo coach Tristan McCoy. The loss leaves the series tied 11-11 since the game switched to a North-South format in 1995.
Pelayo, 6-foot-tall, 170 pounds, saw plenty of action during the game that often provides bragging rights to the victor.
And the score didn’t diminish Pelayo’s enjoyment.
“It was so much fun playing with all of those great players,” he said.
Pelayo is continuing his search for a school with a quality engineering program and solid football team.