It wasn't supposed to be Cam Cassels day, at least not all of his day.
Cassels was one of two quarterbacks named to the South District 4 all-stars. Southern Columbia's Brad Fegley, who was the other quarterback on the roster, came down with mono before the week started, leaving Cassels, with a little help from Tyler Pratt, to lead the team.
Cassels completed seven of his 11 attempts and tossed two touchdowns as the South defeated the North, 29-12, at South Williamsport's Rodney K. Morgans Stadium.
"We came out with a lot of energy," Cassels said. "We came into the game excited and it really showed."
After losing two points on a safety, the South responded with a 10-play drive, bridging the first and second quarters before punching in a second touchdown.
"Their line played tough. They have some good defensive linemen over there," Cassels said. "Murphy from Williamsport really made some good plays, but our line held their own and fought all night for me. I took some hits, but that's going to happen in an All-star game."
Despite constant pressure from players like Williamsport's Shakyil Murphy and Loyalsock's Michael Kinney, Cassels led the South on two crucial scoring drives in the first half.
On the South's first offensive drive, Cassels completed a 38-yard pass to Mount Carmel's Myrick Lamb after Lamb ripped off a 10-yard run. Lamb, who was named Offensive Player of the Game for the South, snagged the ball away from his defender for the game's first touchdown.
"Myrick (Lamb) ran a great route. It's easy to throw to a guy when he's that good," Cassels said. "That play kind of set the tone in the first half."
After a three-and-out on the team's next possession, Cassels survived two sacks to connect with another touchdown. This time Cassels found an open Tyler Pratt for an 18-yard score.
Pratt, who didn't practice at split end the entire week, stepped in after an injury forced him into the role. Pratt delivered, pulling down one reception for a touchdown.
"He just kind of took over," Cassels said. "His knowledge just took over and he ran a great route. Getting 14 at that point was big."
The touchdown proved decisive after the North took a 9-7 lead from the safety and a four-play, 43-yard drive, ending when North Penn's Marquis Delgado beat a defender to the corner of the end zone.
