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June 15, 2005
North–South Football Classic Has Cabell–Wayne Feel
by Grant Traylor
Huntington News Network Sportswriter
Charleston (HNN) — The Wendy's North–South Football Classic scheduled for this weekend will definitely have a local feel as players and coaches from our area will lead the team into play.
While the players on the squad are from an area that spreads over 150 miles, the team's coaching staff all reside within 25 miles of each other in Cabell and Wayne counties.
The South Cardinals will be led by Wayne football coach Tom Harmon, who led the squad to a 13–1 record and a berth in the state championship game.
Harmon's assistant coaches for the game will be Wayne assistant Doug Shilot, Huntington head coach Richard Williams and Cabell Midland head coach Chip McMillian.
Shilot, Wayne's defensive coordinator, has been with Harmon through the turnaround of Wayne's program from an 0–10 season in 1997 to two state title game berths and three undefeated regular seasons during the past five years.
Wayne will be represented on the field by wingback/defensive back Jacob Gilliam, running back/defensive back Josh Powers and offensive tackle Brock Anderson.
Richard Williams and Chip McMillian have both built strongly respected programs that have become strong playoff contenders in class AAA.
Williams led Huntington to its best regular season during his tenure going 8–3 on the season, but the team suffered a disappointing first round loss to Bridgeport in the first round of the playoffs.
Huntington will be represented by wide receiver/defensive back Marquis Martin, running back/linebacker Gordy Newsome and offensive lineman Heath Ashford.
McMillian has enjoyed similar success at Cabell Midland as his teams have constantly been a thorn in the side of Mountain State Athletic Conference and AAA teams around the state, but the team has not been able to secure their first championship game appearance yet.
Cabell Midland will have Marshall recruit John Saunders in a South Cardinals uniform when the teams take the field Saturday evening, June 18, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. Also, Spring Valley's Clay Maddox will also take part in North–South festivities.
While both Williams and McMillian will be figuring out ways to defeat each other in the fall, this year's summer classic gives each a chance to work together and showcase the local talent.
The foursome of coaches have all gained experience working together through the WVSSAC's new three–week mini–camp period for football teams during July.
The trio of Wayne, Cabell Midland and Huntington met multiple times on the field in 7–on–7 competition at each school during the mini–camps.
Saturday's game will take place at Laidley Field as the South will look to win for only the second time in seven years. Tickets are $6 in advance or $8 if purchased on game–day.
Stay logged on to www.HuntingtonNewsNet.com for all your North–South coverage.
