Traverse City Record-Eagle

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January 13, 2009

All-Star football game has northern feel

Game July 11 at Michigan State

By MARK URBAN

TRAVERSE CITY -- When Lenny Brinson was named to the selection committee for the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All-Star Game, he had one goal in mind.

Mission accomplished.

Six northern Michigan football players will suit up for the West team at the annual game at Michigan State University on July 11.

"That was my own personal goal, to try and get as many from northern Michigan on the team as I could," said Brinson, an eighth grade coach at TC West.

Three of the six area players who will play in the game at Spartan Stadium are from the Big North Conference: TC West defensive back Jon Flynn, TC Central offensive lineman Jake Carra and Cadillac offensive lineman Zach Pant.

From the Lake Michigan Conference are Boyne City fullback Trever Kruzel and Elk Rapids tight end Charlie Hoch. Frankfort linebacker and tight end Max Banktson was an at-large selection to the West team.

In total, 154 players were nominated for the 44-player roster from the West side of the state.

In addition to having such a high number of players selected, Brinson said he's also proud of the fact that Flynn, Kruzel, Banktson and Hoch are also former Pop Warner players.

While helping select the team, Brinson will also serve as an assistant coach at the MHSFCA All-Star Game. The team will be lead by head coach Randy Lark of Alma.

Brinson said players will report to East Lansing on July 5 for a week of practice before the July 11 game.

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