MONTGOMERY- The Covid-19 pandemic continues to stifle high school athletics across Alabama. Due to social distancing and the concern over large group gatherings set forth by health guidelines during the pandemic, changes are amongst the latest decisions by the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) and the Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association (AHSADCA).

The Annual North-South All-Star Sports Week has been canceled for July, although All-Star Teams were selected and will still be recognized and all student-athletes selected will receive certificates. The annual event will be refocused for 2021, however, the North-South Football Game, featuring seniors from the class of 2021 will be played in December and will remain in December each year moving forward.

This Year’s All-Star Week was set for July 13-18 and was to feature all of the usual sports at different venues around Montgomery. The 61^st annual football game was scheduled for Cramton Bowl on Thursday, July 16. Now with the game being postponed, the 2021 seniors will have a full season schedule to perfect their skills in preparation for the game that dates back to 1948. The South won 22-19 last July to snap a four-game North winning streak. The South holds a 31-27-2 edge in the annual game.

“We want to recognize the players and coaches selected even though we are unable to hold the events this summer,” said Jamie Lee, director of the AHSADCA, which also has announced the annual Summer Conference will now be held virtually.

The second annual Elite 100 Showcase, basketball event, which was scheduled for June, is being postponed with a possible new date forthcoming.

In addition, the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame Banquet has been moved to Sept. 21 at the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center.

“With the current health situation we felt it is in the best interest of our member schools to make these adjustments,” added Lee.