This month, high school football fans will have chances to see some of the best graduates one last time as they play in all-star games.
One of those all-star games is the 13th annual Foothills Football Classic at 7 p.m. June 21 at Norwin High School. The game will feature some of the best graduates from Allegheny, Indiana, Westmoreland and Fayette counties.
Fayette County will be well represented on the South roster. Laurel Highlands head coach Jack Buehner will be coaching the South squad.
Buehner has some experience coaching in the game, but admits that walking the sideline among some of the best players in the area will be quite a thrill.
"I've done this before as an assistant coach with (former Connellsville head coach) Dan Spanish (in 1998), and it is just a tremendous honor and a privilege," Buehner said. "It's one of the highlights of my career."
A total of 75 players representing 33 schools are scheduled to take part.
"It's really fun to be around these guys," Buehner said. "Some of them you play against, and some you hear about. To have them all together, it's an honor for me to be around these very gifted players."
Connellsville's Justin Cole (OL/DL) as well as Laurel Highlands' Jarret Hildock (OL/DL) and Tyler Jodon (WR/DB) will represent Fayette County and compete for the South squad.
Buehner is thrilled to have two of his own players in the game.
"Jarret Hildock and Tyler Jodon both have a lot of the same qualities," Buehner said. "They work hard, and they have great attitudes. Both guys are very athletic, and they played both sides of the ball for us. They always gave that extra effort. They are good people, and they are good in the classroom, and that extends onto the football field."
Cole noted that playing in the game is a way to honor his grandfather, Ron Fogle, who played for Connellsville in the late 1960s and died in 2004. Cole is excited to be included in the select group of players.
"I'm pumped up for that game," Cole said. "I'm the only person from our team that gets to do it, and it's exciting because you get to play with some of the best players in the area."
Cole will play for Washington & Jefferson this fall, so he's looking to use this game as a type of tune-up for college.
"Just getting a chance to play again and getting used to playing again is nice," Cole said.
The South squad will begin practicing Tuesday at Belle Vernon High School.
Other all-star football games this month include the Big 33 Game on June 14 at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey and the PSFCA East West All-Star Game at Mansion Park in Altoona on June 21.
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