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For the third straight year, the 252-919 All Star football game will feature players from county schools and a coach will be involved for the second consecutive year.

The series between the top seniors from the East against those from the Triangle is tied after the East won last year’s contest.

Washington defensive end/tight end Gary Payne and Southside running back/defensive back Tequon Moore will represent Beaufort County along with Southside head coach Jeff Carrow, who will be one of the 252 assistant coaches.

“I’m really excited to be part of the coaching staff this year,” Carrow said. “I’ve watched the game the last two years and it’s a well-organized event, so I’m looking forward to it. It will be a good chance to get to know some of the coaches and players from other schools and go through the couple days of practice and off the field events.”

Payne and Moore are among 40 players from 24 schools in the 252 area code selected for the game. New Bern placed a team-high five players, while Havelock and J.H. Rose will have four.

The 6’3 210 lb. Payne led the Pam Pack with 67.5 tackles, including 15 for loss, 4.5 sacks and recovered four fumbles. He also caught seven passes for 113 yards and scored a rushing touchdown.

“One of Gary’s personal goals at the start of the season was to play in this game, so it’s great he achieved it,” coach Matt Taylor said. “He was a great leader for us and I’m glad college coaches will have a chance to see him play. He’s had a lot of nibbles but no bites, so hopefully this game will help him play in college.”

Moore, 5’9 160 lbs. ran for a team-high 737 yards, caught 11 passes for 276 yards and finished with 1,208 all-purpose yards that included punt and kickoff returns.

His 20 touchdowns led the team as did his 61 tackles and three interceptions.

“He did a lot of things to help us win during his time here,” Carrow said. “He’s a tremendous leader and worked extremely hard to get the most out of his ability. I’m proud of him for being a good person and student as well and hopefully somebody will give him a chance to keep playing.”

Kenjray Coffield represented Southside in the inaugural game in 2021, while Xavier Ham played in it last year. Defensive coordinator Andrea Quinerly was an assistant last year as well.

Hayes Pippin was the first Washington player selected in 2021, while Myles Jackson and former head coach Perry Owens were part of last year’s game.

Farmville Central’s Ron Cook will be the 252 head coach. His assistants are Carrow, Greene Central’s Jason Wilson, New Bern’s Terrance Saxby, Will Harrell of South Lenoir and Paul Bossi of Currituck.