Local standouts ready for AHSCA All-Star Games
The Arkansas High School Coaches Association All Star Games will resume this week at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
The games will return to live competition for the first time since 2019.
El Dorado coach Steven Jones was named as an assistant on the East All-Star Football Team, which includes Wildcats' Devin Walter and Jackie Washington.
Strong's Byron Maze was named to the East Football Team.
El Dorado's Layla Lee will play for the West girls' soccer team.
El Dorado's Austin Jobe and Parkers Chapel's Mason Dougan will play for the West baseball team.
Smackover's Landree Clark and Laylah Gaston were selected as cheerleaders for the East All-Stars.
Jones, who coached El Dorado to the 6A state championship, will be making his All-Star coaching debut.
“I'm looking forward to the week. All of us, Devin, Jackie and myself go up there on Wednesday. It should be a good time,” said Jones on Sunday.
“I know a lot of coaches over the years who had an opportunity to coach in that game. They've always talked about having a lot of fun that week.
“I'm looking forward to that, looking forward to being on staff with some good coaches, trying to learn something from Bo Hembree, Anthony Lucas and some of the guys on the staff with us.
“And, I get to coach Jackie and Devin one more time. I wish I had both of those guys back for one more year. But, it's going to be a fun week.
“I'm excited for them to be able to represent our school. I know they'll have a lot of fun.”
Walter played left guard for the Wildcats. He has signed to play at Henderson State.
“Well you know, I'm going to work my hardest and stay one hundred percent through the whole thing and end the game with a win,” he said.
Washington played receiver and kick returner and signed to play at Southern Arkansas
University.
“I'm looking forward to displaying my talent around the state,” said Washington. “Looking forward to playing with different types of players with different playing styles.
“Best time to do it is at one of the biggest games in the state of Arkansas. I plan on not only putting my name out but putting my city, El Dorado on the map.”
Maze played tight end and outside linebacker and led Strong to the 8-man state championship.
“It's just a blessing to be able to participate in an event like this,” said Maze.
“Not too many people from my family got this opportunity. All I've gotta do now is keep pushing and don't look back.”
Lee was a defender for the Lady Wildcats, who advanced to the 5A state soccer semifinals.
“I'm pretty excited considering I've never experienced something like this before,” she said. “I'm looking forward to meeting new people and playing with them as well.”
All of the events will be held on the UCA campus. On Friday, the baseball game will start at 4 p.m. at Bear Stadium.
Softball starts at 4 p.m. at Farris Field. Girls' soccer starts at 5 p.m. at Estes Stadium. Volleyball begins at 6 p.m. at the Farris Center and boys' soccer kicks off at 7 p.m. at Estes Stadium.
On Saturday, girls' basketball tips at 1 p.m. at the Farris Center followed by boys' basketball at 3 p.m.
The football game kicks off at 6 p.m. at Estes Stadium.