As seen in the Sun Herald

Bernard Blackwell Classic is back

   JAMES JONES, jkjones@sunherald.com

 Nine Coast players were picked for the contest, which will played Dec. 18 at Greyhound Stadium in Ocean Springs.

 The North and South rosters were announced Thursday morning by the Mississippi Association of Coaches.

 Gulfport had a Coast-leading three players picked: defensive linemen Warren Conway and Avery Sullivan, and linebacker David Bertucci.

 Quarterback Colin Bray and fullback Travis Taylor made the South squad for Vancleave.

 Picayune also had two players selected: running backs Jamal Hall and Joel Davis. Hall has a Coast-leading 1,598 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns.

 St. Stanislaus and Ocean Springs each had one player chosen. Defensive end Taylor Thompson made the team for the Rockachaws. Linebacker Dawson Wells represents the Greyhounds.

 Teddy Dyess, who will coach the South squad, received help from coaches Mike Justice of Gulfport and Ocean Springs’ Todd Mangum over choosing the local players.

 “Justice is my mentor; we worked together at Madison Central,” Dyess said. “Mangum is one of my best friends. When it comes to them recommending players, I trust their judgment. The more input helps me.”

 Dyess, who coaches at Philadelphia, is grateful for the opportunity to participate in the All-Star contest.

 “It’s an honor to coach in this game,” Dyess said. “There’s been many great coaches to coach in this game.”

 Several pregame events are planned, including a chili cookoff.

“The Coast has taken this game to a new level,” MAC executive director Johnny Mims said. “They’re excited about the game. We’re excited about having the game down there.”

The South leads the series 28-25-4.

The South won 24-17 last year in Gulfport. Former St. Stanislaus quarterback Dylan Favre earned MVP honors.