Calhoun Times

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The 13th Annual Tennessee-Georgia All-Star Football Classic, presented by Great Clips, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday June 4 at Chattanoog­a Christian School in Chattanoog­a.

Tennessee Georgia 38-14 at McCallie Chattanoog­a.

It was Tennessee’s fourth consecutiv­e victory in the series that dates back to the first game held at Ridgeland High in 2004. Although, Tennessee escaped with just 7-3 and 10-7 wins in defeated last June School in 2012 and 2013.

Stump On Sports television show host Stump Martin said he believes there are now more than 1,000 football players who have played in this event.

“This is always a spirited game with the players and coaches from the two states trying to prove that they play the best football where they come from,” Martin said. “The winning team is usually the one with the most linemen and the coaching staff that can get not only the best players from their area, but those who are unselfish enough to learn to play together in a short time.”

Martin said the players who participat­e in this game are the true High School football gladiators who have a deep passion for the game.

“Some of these young men will go on and play at the next level, but some won’t,” Martin said. Some want to represent their school and family just one more time.

“Sure, we have had players from this game go on to play at major colleges as well as the Southeaste­rn Conference and profession­al football,” Martin added. “In addition, some have received the oppor- tunity to play college football based on performanc­es in this game.”

Meigs County coach Jason Fitzgerald will lead the Tennessee squad and Coahulla Creek coach Chad Barger will direct Georgia.

“These two are working hard to put their coaching staffs and teams together,” Martin said. “Barger was on the staff with Houston White of the North Georgia stars team that tied a strong Atlanta area all-star squad in the Georgia Dome in December. If he can get some of those players on this team this should be a good one.”

Chattanoog­a Christian head coach Mark Mariakis directed a 14-13 victory over Benny Monroe’s Tennessee stars in 2007 at Finley Stadium. Mariakis has also hosted two of the Stump On Sports Tennessee/ Georgia games when he was at Ridgeland.

“Mark and his boosters will be good hosts,” Martin said. “For those who haven’t seen the artificial turf field and stadium tucked away at the foot of Lookout Mountain at Chattanoog­a Christian, you’re in for an experience. It’s a beautiful scene.”

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