Georgia Elite Classic marathon to close out 2016
The fourth installment of the Georgia Elite Classic is poised for a high school football All-Star marathon on December 29 at McEachern High School that will showcase four games for the first time.
Last year saw the annual junior all-star game add a sophomore game for the first time. The sophomore and junior all-star games will once again be the showcase of the three days of activities, practice and competition. However, this year there will also be a B2C All-Star eighth-grade game and a senior game for the first time.
The eighth-grade game will start at 11 a.m., and with neighboring practice fields surrounding the stadium, the next teams can start warming up on schedule to keep the event running seamlessly with the sophomores following at 1 p.m. and the juniors at 4. At 7 and under the lights in an intriguing new format, the Georgia Elite Classic will showcase the state's top uncommitted seniors. The selection process for the senior game began in November and gives college football hopefuls a chance to gain interest and boost their rank as National Signing Day sits barely a month away.
Born to Compete is teaming up with the Georgia Elite Classic to put on the eighth-grade game. Born to Compete or (B2C) is a media website for youth sports that offers coaches, family members, and young athletes from ages 6-14 an outlet to celebrate and support their athletic endeavors. B2C's media coverage spans several states including Georgia, Maryland, Virginia, California, Alabama, New York, Rhode Island, Delaware, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Ohio, and Tennessee.
SHOWCASE STANDOUTS
The final Georgia Elite Classic Showcase took place at McEachern High School this past Sunday. With more than 200 players in attendance, a selection committee narrowed down the top performers and invited players to star in the games on Dec. 29th.
Inviting players from the showcase to play in the game has been a feature that has benefitted the event the past three years. Not only have the new signees gotten a chance to join the rosters, but they have put together some of the strongest performances in the event's previous three years.
ALL-STAR LINEUPS
This year's junior game will feature a bevy of talent and practices will give players a chance to solidify their roles for game day.
North Gwinnett quarterback and Texas A&M commit Cade Fortin stars as one of the signal callers in the junior game. Benedictine's Terrick Smalls Jr. is an explosive playmaker out of the backfield that is fresh off a state championship and 15-touchdown junior campaign.
The Sophomore game will line up more local stars like Blessed Trinity linebacker J.D. Bertrand, who lined up on the Titans defense each of his first two varsity seasons. North Gwinnett's Tyler Goodson rushed for a pair of touchdowns and caught a touchdown this season and is one of the many sophomores carrying momentum in the recruiting ranks into this all-star game.
The first-ever senior game is going to stage the last chance for some of the state's top players to suit up on the Georgia gridiron. With college interest surrounding the game, and one more chance for these players to shine, the 2016 Georgia Elite Classic will continue its tradition of competitive and talent-packed action.
