Lee Academy seniors Jackson Spinks and Andrew Williamson were on the winning side of the MAIS Class 4A-5A-6A All-Star Football Game at Jackson Prep on Friday, Dec. 4.
The two Colts played on the White team that defeated the Blue team 28-21.
Spinks played outside linebacker and made a few tackles. Williamson, an offensive and defensive lineman, was inactive due to an injury, but was a team captain and helped the coaches in practices and during the game.
Both Spinks and Williamson reflected on their experiences.
“I got to play a whole lot, played some punt team, some kickoff and kickoff return and got to play every other series on defense,” Spinks said.
Spinks’ first tackle was on a Blue team running back to force a third down situation.
“I remember my first one,” Spinks said. “We were near the goal line and I made a tackle at the line of scrimmage. They were about to score.”
The Blue team scored on the next play, but Spinks’ tackle made things tougher.
“I had a great time,” Spinks said. “There were a bunch of new people. We just had a great time down there.”
The team arrived the Wednesday prior to the game and had four practices – one Wednesday, two Thursday and another Friday prior to the game. The week was cut short due to the COVID pandemic.
“We didn’t get to go the whole week like we normally would,” Spinks said.
Practice was more about preparing the team for Friday than designing plays.
“We didn’t really have a scheme,” Spinks said. “We just kind of went down there, had fun, played the game and wound up winning.
“We learned as the game went on and saw what they were doing and just played off of what we were seeing. Probably after the first quarter, we kind of got into a rhythm.”
Spinks said the players were able to swap stickers with athletes from different schools and put them on their helmets. They also received medals and certificates.
“It was fun,” Spinks said. “I didn’t end it on a loss. We just got to have one last win and one last game.”
Spinks plans to pursue his degree at Mississippi State after graduation.
Williamson was glad he was able to participate in the activities even though he did not get to play.
“It was good,” Williamson said. “It was a great environment. We had a great group of guys with us. We really bonded with them. It was a good experience.
“I just wanted to go down there, have the experience, get my jersey and just have that week so I could remember. I was happy to be picked and I thought it was an honor, so I wanted to go down there.”
Williamson was one of three injured players who were captains.
“I didn’t do very much,” Williamson said. “I went to all the practices, tried to help the coach out when I could, just getting balls and stuff like that. They let all the injured players be captains for the game.”
Williamson said he helped hype up athletes when they got off the field and congratulated them for making good plays.
“The past four years, the Blue team won,” Williamson said. “We were glad to win the first time in four years.”
Williamson plans to pursue his degree at Delta State unless he receives an offer to run track somewhere.
