By Haley Mitchell Godwin

Highland Home School’s standout defensive end CJ May competed in the 66th AHSAA North-South Football Classic held Dec.13 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile and earned the title of South MVP (most valuable player) despite the North team’s commanding 45-24 victory. May had eight tackles, two sacks and a blocked punt that fueled a thrilling second-half rally.

“It’s a good milestone,” May said in a media release. “I really felt like I should have been in the Alabama-Mississippi Game. No shade to them for not putting me in, but I felt like I should have been in there.”

May’s performance capped an outstanding high school career. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound defensive end, a two-time All-State honoree, recently committed to the University of Louisville over offers from Auburn, Syracuse, Washington and others. Known for leading Highland Home to its first undefeated regular season and a Class 2A state semifinal appearance, May’s impact on and off the field has been significant.

“It’s been an incredible journey,” May said. “I’m grateful for all the support from Highland Home and my family. This game was a great way to finish my high school career before moving on to Louisville.”

After tying the game at 24-24 with a 30-yard field goal by Baker’s Blayne Munson, the North exploded with three touchdowns in 40 seconds to secure the win. A 64-yard touchdown pass from Fort Payne’s Dax Varnadore to Pleasant Grove’s Tremell Washington, a 54-yard interception return by Hoover’s Jamar Moultrie, and a fumble recovery touchdown capped the North’s scoring spree.

The North’s dominance in the first half, where they built a 24-0 lead, ultimately proved insurmountable. Center Point’s Therman Moore, Hoover’s Mac Beason, and Parker’s Terence Gaines each scored rushing touchdowns, while Helena’s Austin Lewis added a 21-yard field goal.

South coach Kenny King said injuries during the week and early in Friday’s game hampered his squad’s chances to pull off a win.

“We only had five defensive backs,” he said. “On the first kickoff, two went down with an injury. It was sub-city from then on. Then we had two wide receivers go down before half. We were rolling whatever we had out there.”

The North-South Classic, first played in 1948, remains a storied tradition in Alabama high school football. 

The 38th annual All-Star Week concluded Dec.14 with the  The game, played at South Alabama’s Hancock Whitney Stadium, featured the top seniors from Alabama against the best in Mississippi. Alabama rallied to beat Mississippi 35-29 and now leads the series 27-11 overall with its fifth straight win.