Blacksburg coach gets defensive for North-South All-Star game

Blacksburg High football coach Robbie Blanton has been selected to coach in the North-South All-Star game on Dec. 8 in Myrtle Beach.

Blanton will be the defensive coordinator and coach the defensive linemen for the North squad (North Central). Assistant coaches include Nickey Crocker of J.L. Mann, Gaffney native Scott Parker of T.L. Hanna, Robert LeRoy Jr. of Indian Land, and Bill Harvey of Newberry.

The North-South game annually features some of the best high school football players in South Carolina. Players selected for the teams will be announced Oct. 29.

Coaching staffs for the North- South game are chosen from nominations by members of the South Carolina Coaches Association.

"This is definitely a big honor. South Carolina has a wealth of talented football players," Blanton said. "It will be an enjoyable experience to coach players from other teams and let them showcase their talent in the all-star game."

The North-South game will be played Dec. 8 at noon at Brooks Stadium in Myrtle Beach. The game is sponsored by the South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association.

Players will have morning and afternoon practice sessions during their week of preparation for the all-star game. Special events include trips to the NASCAR Speed Park, Medieval Times, Outback Steakhouse, and a Fellowship of Christian Athletes dinner.

Blanton joined the North coaching staff in Columbia on Monday for a day of meetings and film sessions to help finalize this year's roster. He arrived back at school in time to run the Blacksburg High football practice.

"We haven't really gotten to the fun part yet which is going to Myrtle Beach and coaching for a week," Blanton said. "The North- South game is a first class event. They really go out of their way to treat the players well and make sure they have a fun time. This will be a really rewarding experience."