The 2009 Bernard Blackwell All Star Classic was contested on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the first time since it’s inception over 60 years ago. On December 19th the South squad, led by Dillian Farve, opened a big enough lead during the first three quarters to hold off a late rally by the North squad. With the North team driving toward a touchdown that would have given the North team a chance to tie or win the game quarterback, ???, threw an interception at the 10 yard line of the South with 1:10 left on the clock.

The play was indicative of how the game was played by 88 of the top All Star athletes from the State of Mississippi.  For the game Dillian Farve, nephew of Brett Farve, showed that he belonged in the elite field of players and ended the game with 242 passing yards and the MVP for the South squad. ?? was named the North squad MVP of the game totaling over ??? yards during the game.

Dillian Farve who up until the All Star game had only recived offers for scholarship from USM and Northeast Louisiana got a call soon after the game to suit up with the Bulldogs of Mississippi State and show his talents in the talent rich South Eastern Conference.

The event was brought to the Coast in partnership with the Mississippi Association of Coaches(MAC) and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Sports Commission. Johnny Mims, Executive Director of the MAC, stated that the event reached a new level for the players and the plan is to host the event on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the next two years. “When our Vice President of the MAC, Howard McNeill, brought up the idea of bringing this event from Jackson to the Coast we looked to see if it was a fit for what we looked to accomplish long term with the game.” “Howard said that the Mississippi Gulf Coast had started a Sports Commission and their organization might have the desire to get involved with the game.”

“The Sports Commission helped to bring the event to the Coast and brought an aspect to the game that had not been seen in the past. The game was televised statewide in 7 major markets on ABC or NBC affiliates across the state and in Memphis, TN.  Executive Director for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Sports Commission Scott Ratcliff looked at bring exposure to the game, the players and the Gulf Coast by providing the television coverage. “We want to highlight the players that are looking to go to the next level and provide every opportunity for them to be recognized by the decision makers that can make that happen.” “Even thought their were plenty of scouts in town for the game we feel Dillion’s performance against a quality field of players and doing it on TV provided that platform to showcase his talents that ultimately got him to the next level.”

Joe Milner Stadium, Lindy Calahan Field in Gulfport, MS was the backdrop for this year’s event with Howard McNeill, Athletic Director for Gulfport High School being the host for the event.  With the help of numerous people dedicated to high school sports from the Gulfport, MS area, Howard McNeill, the Mississippi Association of Coaches and the Sports Commission brought a passion for providing the event the stature that is indicative of the person the game has been named after.  Benard Blackwell was the Executive Director of the MAC for 20+ years and carried these games very high on what he wanted to accomplish for the players from the State of Mississippi.

The 2010 game will be move to Ocean Springs, MS at the Greyhound Stadium, home to the Ocean Springs High School Greyhounds.  In 2011 Biloxi will play host to the game at Biloxi Indian Stadium home of the Biloxi Indians. It is planned to look at long range opportunities to continue this game on the Gulf  Coast for many years to come.

“We are already planning for 2010 and well beyond to have this event be a part of our yearly schedule of events,” Ratcliff said. ”If we see the commitment level continue and grow this event will get better and better as time goes on,” Johnny Mims went on to say.