Volunteer trio to participate in MAIS All-star Game

Starkville Academy head football coach Chase Nicholson got the opportunity to take three more of his players down to the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools All-star weekend on Wednesday morning.

Jacob Crittenden, CJ Jackson and Brody Pierce were the Volunteer trio selected for the MAIS All-star Game and Nicholson said he acted like a proud dad.

“We reminisced a little bit, laughed about their first high school game and what that was like,” Nicholson said. “It was a great moment for everybody to go into allstar week and here we are. I dropped them off. I told them they were grown men and they could handle this. I hugged them, told them I love them and sent them into the big world. I’m happy for them and glad they are there.”

Jackson had an incredible season as a running back for Starkville Academy with 293 carries for 2,349 yards and 28 yards.

It helped that he was running behind a right tackle like Crittenden, who played on a line that helped produce over 4,000 yards of offense.

Pierce did a little bit of everything for the Vols. He punted, kicked off, returned kicks, played wide receiver and played cornerback. Nicholson said Pierce always covered the best wide receiver on the opposing team and recorded several pass breakups.

Nicholson said he wishes all of his players could experience an all-star game situation, but Crittenden, Jackson and Pierce are a trio that definitely deserve the chance.

“It shows you what their extra work ethic was and what they brought to the table each day that not only we recognize but other people recognize,” Nicholson said. “To play in as many games over the years as they have, and for them to play one more in an all-star game, it’s just fitting. Of course you wish it for all of them, but there are going to be some that do and we are fortunate to have three really good guys representing us in the game. I definitely couldn’t be any prouder of them.”

The MAIS Class 4A-6A All-star Game will be played Friday at Jackson Prep with a 5 p.m. start.

Starkville Academy football players Brodie Pierce, from left, Jacob Crittenden and CJ Jackson made the MAIS All-star roster. The game will be played at Jackson Prep on Saturday. (Photos by Jason Cleveland, SDN file)