MADISON- Two local athletes have been selected to participate in the 35^th annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Football Classic scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 11 and will be played it Hattiesburg, Miss. on the campus of University of Southern Mississippi.

Edgerrin Watson of James Clemens and Tim Spurlock of Madison Academy will represent the teams from the Madison area in the event that features teams representing Alabama and Mississippi. The Alabama squad includes 15 players who have already committed to a total of seven schools in the Southeastern Conference and five others committed to Big 5 conference schools. One of those committed is Spurlock who has verbally committed to play for Michigan.

“This will be a great experience to be among all of the great talent of both teams,” said Spurlock. The 6-foot-3, 219-pound defensive back is the second leading tackler for the Mustangs who are ranked No. 2 in Class 4A of the latest state rankings. “Having this opportunity makes me want to work harder than what I already do as I know everyone on both squads are very talented. I also know there are many others players who could have been chosen for this game so I feel very humbled by my selection.”

Watson, who stands in at 6-4, 290, is your basic workhorse offensive lineman for the Class 7A, fifth ranked Jets. He’s being touted as a great recruit with numerous schools show interest in the versatile athlete. Southeast Missouri, Tennessee State, Troy, Western Kentucky, Alabama State and Jacksonville State are among the many schools that have offered Watson a ride in college.

“I feel this selection for the All-Star Game is an accomplishment I’ve been waiting on as I saw other players from James Clemens get selected while I was working my way up to being a senior,” said Watson. “I’ve been training under coach Kendrick Rogers of Trench Work Academy and feel as though I’ve perfected my craft as I remain in my technique throughout a play and make sure I don’t get over zealous.”

Spurlock was informed of his selection by the coaching staff at Madison Academy at the end of a practice session. “I was awe-struck by the announcement, but I feel I’ve worked hard for this moment,” added Spurlock. “We’re gearing up for the playoffs and taking one game at a time, but having a state title to go along with this honor would make for a great senior season before I head to Michigan.”

Alabama leads the overall series 23-11 including a 19-7 victory a year ago. This will be the fourth time the Classic has been held in Hattiesburg as the contest began in 1988.

“I feel as though I was selected to play because I can play all five positions across the offensive line,” said Watson. “I can block, snap, pull and be very physical.”