Rotary South All-Star Classic showcases college football prospects
It’s one last chance to see some of Lee County’s most talented high school football players before they move on to college. Florida State commits Quashon Fuller and Derick Hunter Jr. are among the 68 players selected from across the county taking part in the 30th annual Rotary South All-Star Classic on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at Fort Myers High School.
Hunter, a tight end from Dunbar, and Fuller, a defensive end from Lehigh Senior, will join forces on an imposing South squad that will take on a North team that includes Mariner athlete Rashawn Hunter, who has offers from Iowa State, Virginia, Marshall and Fordham.
The game, which kicks off at 7 p.m., will be a continuation of a family affair for two Dunbar teammates. Electric running back Seneca Milledge and his cousin, defensive back Major Williams, will play for the South team in the All-Star Classic before they both head off to play at Virginia. And it will be one last game at home for Fort Myers offensive lineman Marcus Finger, who’ll suit up for the South team before heading to UCF.
The All-Stars aren’t just the players on the field. Each school is sending two cheerleaders as well, for a total of 38, and three team managers will also take part. Every All-Star gets a customized commemorative ring or charm.
The event was founded in 1989 as the first countywide high school football all-star game in Florida. It’s designed as a sendoff and reward for seniors as well as an extra chance to get them in front of recruiters.
Some of the All-Stars aren’t just promising college prospects. Nearly two dozen players who’ve taken part in the game over the past three decades have gone on to the NFL, including Sammy Watkins, Phillip Buchanon and Jevon Kearse.
A former Lee County star who went on to a much different field of work will serve as the keynote speaker at an awards banquet preceding the game. Wilfred (J.R.) Rivera, a former Estero and Florida Atlantic Player, is now a motivational speaker and author of the book “What’s Eating Up Your Time?: The Full 24.”
Rivera will meet with and address the players on Monday, Dec. 3 from 6-9 p.m. at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. A limited number of tickets to the banquet are available at the theatre on 1380 Colonial Blvd. or by calling 239-278-4422.
Game tickets are just $5. They’re available at the gate and each participating Lee County high school. Parking is $5 per vehicle and includes a complimentary game program.
Visit rotarysouthallstarclassic.org to see player, cheerleader and manager rosters and learn about the history of the All-Star Classic as the game celebrates its 30th year.
