The Kirk Academy football team will be well-represented this week in both of the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools All-Star Football Games at Misssissippi College in Clinton.
Beginning Thursday, sophomore lineman Tate Summers will play in the Futures Game at 6:30 p.m. at Robinson-Hale Stadium. On Friday, seniors Gage Vance, Linton Carson, Hayes Horan and Noah Abel will play in the Class AA/AAA game Friday at 3 p.m.
“It’s a testament to this senior class,” head coach Justin Purvis said. “We had a big senior group, and even though we had four selected there were others that we thought deserved to be picked. All-Star games are always tough.”
Purvis, who helped guide the Raiders to a 6-6 mark this season and a second-round playoff berth, was especially happy for Summers’ selection to the Future’s Game after losing him to a broken left leg during the season-opening loss at home to Washington School. He came back for the final two weeks of the regular season and the postseason.
Vance led the team in rushing with more than 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns.
“Gage is a really good player and even a better young man,” Purvis said. “He had a solid season for us.”
Carson finished his season with more than 1,300 yards of total offense and 21 touchdowns (15 rushing, 6 passing).
“Linton started every game at quarterback and was probably the toughest guy on the field,” Purvis said.”
Abel was a three-year starter on the offensive line at Kirk.
“Noah was an interesting one,” Purvis said. “During our All-Star meeting, their were mutliple coaches that wanted him on the team. He has that mean streak you look for in a lineman.”
Hayes Horan doubled as H-Back and defensive end. On offense, he had two touchdowns and had 70 tackles on the defensive side.
“Hayes is an all-around physcially-gifted player,” Purvis concluded. “He is a very explosive player, who made a lot of plays for us.”
