North ends South streak in football classic

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The North all-stars ended six years of frustration Saturday night with a thrilling 42-35 victory over the South in the annual classic.

Robert C. Byrd running back Juwan Jones-Wright turned in a dominating performance with 105 yards on 15 carries and three touchdowns. He was named the North MVP.

The game featured the most points (77) in the history of the classic, with both teams rolling up yards and points.  However, the game was decided on a pair of fourth down, fourth quarter plays. North’s Jones-Wright provided a second and third effort to find the end zone and give his team a permanent lead. South running back C.J. Perkins was defeated on his fourth down attempt as he was stopped on fourth-and-one at the North 25 with under a minute left in the game.

South had another chance earlier in the fourth quarter as it marched downfield with the help of a pair of North personal foul penalties. Buckhannon Upshur cornerback Marcus Lofton thwarted that effort, however, as he jumped a route to secure an interception and allow the North to lead its game-winning drive.

The South still leads the series 40-20-3, but the North’s victory at University of Charleston Stadium ended six straight years of South victories.

The South’s MVP was George Washington receiver Druw Bowen, a West Virginia University walk-on.  He caught seven passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns.