LEXINGTON, KY. — A pair of Louisa middle 8th grade football players participated in the East vs West Kentucky State Middle School Association State All Star Classic this past Sunday at Frederick Douglass High School.
Dylan Ferguson and Jake Derifield played for the White team and came away with the victory, 19-14 after being drafted by the coaches before the game.
Ferguson played defense and played well with several tackles for loss and also had an interception that he almost returned for a touchdown. He also had a nice return on a kickoff.
Derifield played offense as a wide receiver and even though he didn’t catch a pass, he blocked very well downfield. Neither team threw the ball much.
LMS 8th Grader Dylan Ferguson
PLAYER’S COMMENTS
“… It was a different world at first going into something like that being where we’re from. But once I got out there playing ball it was something else I felt like I had known those guys my whole life because we all played for each other.”
“… It was truly a great experience to see how I size up against the bigger competition. Honestly it felt good I felt like I contributed to the win greatly and it was a good time. I made some great friends that I plan on keeping in touch with through the years. I hope this could bring me some opportunities going forward. I want to thank Coach Preece for everything he did I couldn’t have done it without him. My favorite part of the game was getting a pick and almost returning it for a touchdown.”
LMS 8th Grader Jake Derifield
PLAYER’S COMMENTS
“… I was fortunate to play in the All Star football game and it was an experience I will never forget. After the great season we had, the team and coaching prepared me and got me to the all star classic In Lexington.”
“… It was definitely a new experience for me playing football with a group of players and coaches I didn’t even know, but it was an experience that I welcomed with open arms. I made new friends from different parts of Kentucky and learned lots of new skills and drills for football to help me improve in the future.”
“… I am very thankful for the coaching staff at LC and the All Star Classic. I’m looking forward to next season.”
“… This was a great season with an awesome group of teammates. Thanks to my Dad for coaching me in my 2 seasons of football and Coach Preece for this football season.”
LMS 8th Grade Head Coach Blake Preece
COACH’S COMMENTS
“…Really excited for Fergy and Jake to be chosen to play in the State All Star game with some great talent!”
“… Jake had a huge year for us this year in only his 2nd year playing football. He tracks the deep ball better than most high school kids. I think it’s carry over from running down baseballs since he was little. He had around 13 receiving TD’s and I’d say at least 8 were over 30+yds in the air. He’s got a special skill set and does all the little things the right way. Jake did a nice job at corner this year too.”
“… Fergy is a beast! If there’s a more physical kid in EKY I didn’t see them. He set the tone for our team. The first game of the season he shattered a kids chinstrap in half. It was dangling in 2 separate pieces. In the Regional Championship game he busted the 1st run of the game down our sideline and about knocked the opposing Safety out. It was the biggest team I’ve seen in awhile and he put about 4 kids out by the time it was over — all clean hits. He’s a throwback fullback/linebacker. He imposes his will and it carried over especially to our defense. We shut out Ashland, Russell and Greenup. Held Raceland, Franklin Co and East Carter to 2 scores. Fergy was at the center of all of it. He dominated the All Star game. Almost ran interception back for a TD. Almost ran a kick back for TD. A bunch of tackles including for loss. Many thought he was the MVP.”
“… It’s been an awesome year! The kids made a lot of big time plays on the field. Beat everybody on the schedule. They played fast and physical. What I love is seeing how much they grew this year. It’s one of the smartest teams I’ve coached. They are crushing it in the classroom (Ferg and Jake straight A students)! We had a team full of great kids. Every time I talk to Fergy and Jake their response is “yes sir!” As good as this group has been on the field, I love the leaders they have become!”
