Prep careers not over yet for some

Eight local athletes will take the gridiron as prep players one final time Friday when they play in the Orange County North-South All-Star football game.

The game, which will be played for the 49th time, is presented by the Brea Lions Club. Kickoff is 7:15 p.m. at OCC’s LeBard Stadium.

Local players selected to the South team in April were Tim Atencio of Marina, Justin Niutapuai of Huntington Beach, Blayne Anderson, Mike Bogard, Eric Smith and Earnie Sagiao of Edison, and Bryce Blake and T.J. Tafoga of Fountain Valley.

Practice for the South began June 25 at Trabuco Hills High, and the team will have a final walk-through today, Anderson said.

The All-CIF defensive lineman, also named the Defensive Lineman of the Year in the fall in the Sunset League, will start on the defensive line Friday.

“I’m really excited about playing in this game,” said the 6-foot-4, 245-pound Anderson. “I’ve seen a few of these games in the past, and I’ve always wanted to play in it ever since my freshman year. This gives me one last chance to play with some of my buddies.

“Our practices have been really good. Everyone has really been focused and it’s a group of guys who really want to be here. I’m looking forward to the game.”

Following Friday’s game, Anderson next will play on scholarship at Northern Arizona University.

He leaves for the Flagstaff campus Aug. 1.

“This All-Star game gives me one last chance to get ready for playing at the next level,” he said.

The North leads the series, 24-21-3.