OROVILLE – The South All Stars won the 31^st Lions All Star football game, 27-19, last Saturday, but local gridiron stars did their part for the North.

Yreka’s Jeremy Tuner picked off a pass and nearly returned it for a TD. The North eventually capitalized on the turnover by finding the end zone.

“That pick felt good, almost taking it back, and putting us in a position to score,” said Turner.

As a linebacker, Turner led the Yreka Miners and the Northern Athletic League in tackles last season, and was fifth in the Northern Section (170). Turner will be playing at Azusa Pacific University this fall, and enjoyed his taste of college rules at the Lions’ game.

“The overall experience was a blast. Hanging out and getting to know some of the guys I have been competing against for the last four years was one of the highlights. Getting to play on the same side is something I won’t forget,” said Turner. “The game was physical and hard fought. With such a short amount of time to prepare, I thought it was a real competitive match up. Playing college length quarters and rules gave me a feel of what to expect.”

Another North TD was set up by linebacker Logan Dysert, who recovered a fumble, and also caused a fumble in the game. Dysert led the Etna Lions and the Shasta Cascade League in tackles last season, and was fourth in the North Section (173). Dysert plans on playing at the College of the Siskiyous in the fall.

Dysert described the experience as, “Fun, one of the greatest experiences in high school football. It should be one of your goals going through high school to play in the Lions All Star game.”

Dysert was also impressed with the play of teammate Kyson Culp, who played defensive back in the game.

“Kyson probably made the biggest hit of the game. It was awesome,” said Dysert. “The South’s receiver had just caught the ball, and was turning when he hit him. Kyson blew him up, and caused him to drop the ball.”

Culp played linebacker and quarterback for the Yreka Miners last season. Culp is the career passing leader at Yreka, and plans to play ball at COS this season.

Tulelake’s Rey Chavolla scored a rushing TD for the North. Chavolla led the Honkers and the Evergreen League in rushing last season, and was sixth in the North Section (1538).

For a complete account of the game go to the Redding Searchlight.