MACON, Ga. — There was a battle for supremacy in the 478 as Central Georgia seniors competed in the Bibb vs Houston Senior All-Star Bowl, Saturday.
The GHSA season officially ended last weekend with the state championships on the line in Atlanta. But now these two group of football players, one from Houston County and the other Bibb County had at least one more chance of high school football, led by Ryan Crawford of Houston County and Sheddrick Risper of Westside.
"I think its great for me I have been in the county for 15 years as an assistant and a head coach. I think our programs are top notched and our facilities are great and our county understand the importance of athletes and not just football. It helps young men develop into grown men," Crawford said. "To see these guys take the step to the next level even if its a kid from another school, I love to see them do well and invest back into the community. "
Both rosters are made up of the top 40 seniors in the area. Schools like Perry, Warner Robins, Northside, HoCo and Veterans make up the squad in Houston County, while Howard, Northeast, Southwest, Westside, Rutland and Central round out the Bibb squad.
"On Friday nights when we play each other we are at each others throat but on Saturday we'll all be as one," Risper said. "This is a dream come true, we as coaches talk about coming together in Macon how it would be if we all played in one spot."
Most of these young men have had a chance to spend a career playing against one another while sharing the same school system, now they've joined forces and its a chance to show their opponent, just how much they value the game of football.
PHOTOS: Bibb vs Houston Senior Bowl
"I think its great. I'm an advocate of this game. We have a lot of great players in Houston County. Its been great to watch them grown and compete against them over the past time but its nice to play and coach together with these guys as they close their careers," Crawford said.
Come kickoff it will be more than fun in the atmosphere, there will be a lot of pride and bragging rights in the border war on the gridiron.
"Of course on game day the competitive juices will be flowing. Houston County wants to win and so does Bibb County. Any time you have an opportunity to coach or play in this game its something you want to do," Risper said.
And for many it will be their last time ever on the football field.
"All these kids have good coaches and are good players and all know each Other through social media. I think there will be some excitement and emotion once the juices start to flowing making sure we win for sure," said Crawford.
"I think it's wonderful all the kids get to come together. They've never done that before so for them to come together and end their career with a bang," said Risper.