This June, high school football fans are in for a treat as the North-South All-Star Football Classic celebrates its 50th anniversary—and several local stars will be part of the milestone event. Rosters for the South Cardinals and North Bears were released Thursday, and the Cardinals will feature 11 local players suiting up for one final high school showdown.
Among the headliners are Woodrow Wilson teammates A.J. Thomas and Ja’Marques Manns, both Class AAAA first-team all-staters last fall. Thomas is listed as a running back/defensive back, while Manns brings versatility as a two-way lineman. Their bond extends beyond this all-star game—last month, they both signed to continue their football careers together at Marietta College.
Another dynamic duo comes from Greenbrier East, where Nathan Suttle and Kaden Stone will team up again. Stone earned Class AAA first-team all-state honors as a defensive back, while Suttle was a second-team defensive utility pick. Meanwhile, Westside’s Devin Sanders, the Renegades’ leading rusher, brings Class AA honorable mention all-state credentials to the backfield.
Kaiden Sims of Meadow Bridge enters the game as his school’s all-time leading rusher, having led the Wildcats to consecutive playoff appearances. Last season, he rushed for 1,544 yards and 20 touchdowns—a testament to his workhorse ability. PikeView’s Peyton Mounts also turned heads, running for 1,148 yards and 12 touchdowns while guiding the Panthers to their first winning season (7-4) since 2017 and a playoff berth for the first time since 2010.
Shady Spring’s Kaiden Helmer, the team’s leading rusher and a Class AAA honorable mention all-stater, adds depth to the offensive attack. On defense, linebacker Landon Crane of Class AAA state champion Princeton brings championship pedigree, having finished his senior season with 77.5 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and two interceptions—including a pick in the Tigers’ thrilling 36-35 state title win over Nitro.
Up front, Liberty’s Connor Acord, a four-year starting offensive lineman and Class AA honorable mention all-stater, anchors the trenches. Defensive lineman Izaac Redden of Independence, who signed with Concord University last month, adds strength to the defensive front. Greenbrier West’s Colton Dunbar, who transitioned to quarterback and led the Cavaliers in rushing with 914 yards and six touchdowns, will bring his dual-threat skills to the game before heading to Glenville State for track.
The South Cardinals will be coached by Herbert Hoover’s Joey Fields, while the North Bears are led by Philip Barbour’s Nick Mayle. The game takes place on West Virginia Day, June 20, at South Charleston High School. Players will gather on the campus of West Virginia State on June 14 for two-a-day practices, building chemistry before the big game.
The first North-South Classic was played in 1976, with the North claiming an 8-6 victory in a defensive battle. Now, nearly five decades later, this year’s event promises to honor that legacy with a new generation of stars ready to leave their mark. Whether you’re a fan of hard-hitting defense or explosive offense, this all-star matchup is the perfect way to celebrate high school football in West Virginia—and a great reminder to gear up for the season ahead.