Published: March 03, 2006 08:48 am      

Elliott shines as All-Star

First Red Devil in 5 years to make statewide game

It was 2:00 p.m. and not a single cloud loomed over the big blue sky overlooking Victory Drive last Thursday. But, the lights at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus had to be turned on anyway due to all of the stars that formed together for the 75-player constellation that was Georgia’s best seniors at the 2005 Georgia Athletic Coaches Association North/South football classic.

Thirty-nine players from the North team and 36 players from the South team were on hand to hopefully put a twinkle in the eyes of the college scouts that were present to watch the best-of-the-best from Georgia’s gridirons go at it one more time.

Nick Elliott, a four-year player for the Jackson High School Red Devils, was one of those 75 all-stars on hand in Columbus. Elliott played left tackle for the Red Devils in 2005, but last week in Columbus the 6’5” 265-pound lineman played all over the offensive line for the South team.

“It’s been fun,” said Elliott while catching a water break on the sidelines. “I’ve had to learn a completely new offense in only three days, and it’s been hard, but being able to play all over the line has been a lot of fun.”

Elliott had a chance to show off the three days’ hard work when he came into the game for the South team on its second possession as a right tackle. Staring into the eyes of the best defensive linemen in the state Elliott held his ground and didn’t let the new territory phase him.

The senior was protecting starting quarterback D’Vontrey Richardson from AAAA Lee County all afternoon. Joining Elliott from Region 4AA on the South team were conference teammates Blake Parrott, tight-end from Pike County, Patrick Callaway, placekicker from Pike County, Carlos Brown, runningback from Heard County, and P.J. Hughes, linebacker from Macon County.

Also on Elliott’s team was Demaryius Thomas, wide receiver from West Laurens and players from Dublin High School, Camden County, Dougherty High School, Griffin High School, LaGrange High School, AAAAA state champion Lowndes County High School, AAAA state champion Statesboro High School, AAA state champion Peach County and AA state champion Charlton County High School.

Out of the five GHSA state champions four were represented on the South team. The only North team to win a state title in 2005 was class A Lincoln County. The advantage that everyone thought the South team would have was quickly washed away when the North scored first. The North team led 13-10 at halftime and sealed the 20-10 victory after a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter.

The game was the last opportunity for Elliott to prove his talent before heading to college, and after his performance on the field Thursday, Elliott should have many offers from schools across the county.