During the Fort Lauderdale Ruggerfest this past weekend, the Florida Juice boys HS select-side program held a North v South all-star game.

The game was held as part of a player identification and evaluation process, and produced an exciting, and entertaining result. The game was one of contrasts, with the South producing some impressive back play, sparked by an excellent game from scrumhalf Alex Ruiz (Weston HS), linking well with fyhalf Marcos Young (Key Biscayne), and with some elusive running from center Curtis Green out of Riviera Beach. At fullback, Arturo San Segundo out of Weston also played well, cleaning up some problems on defense.

Meanwhile, the North ran with their forwards, and when they were able to secure ball they were difficult to stop, with hooker/prop Hiram Miranda (Orlando) probably their most impressive forward. Daytona’s Kendrick Williams got key positive yards for the squad from the No. 8 position (although he wore #19). At inside center, Corie Jones was a powerful runner who fit in well with the North’s style.

The South got on the board first, working the outside and getting some excellent draw-and-pass work to send speedy winger Devarius Miller (Riviera Beach) in from long range. But the North replied, powering ahead with their forwards and driving Williams over to equalize the game at 7-7. 

The South rose once more, putting the ball nicely through the hands to got to the line, and then flyhalf Matthew Mairowitz (Weston) dove over to make it 12-7. 

The North then edged ahead when they found some space and unleashed a capable speedster of their own, Daytona’s Tyler Hilgers. Justin Smith (Orlando) hit the conversion to give his side the 14-12 lead.

The teams were changed up a bit in the second half, but over time they both started to settle into their pattern. They also started to explore other options. The North used Hilgers and Smith to work the outside channels, while the South found that No. 8 Anthony Ferrera of Riviera Beach was a tough inside runner.

The North extended their lead as their pack drove over Orlando lock Anthony Coello, and both teams traded penalty kicks to make it 22-15 for the North with time winding down.

Then with the North on the attack, a long, floaty pass hit the dirt and Riviera Beach wing Lukem Beaumont swooped in for the South, nabbed the ball, and raced up the middle and in under the posts for the try. Young slotted the conversion to end the game in a dramatic 22-22 tie.

It was a game full of big plays and plenty of mistakes, also, as players were unfamiliar with each other . But it gave the Juice coaches some valuable information on players with ability following a series of Juice Development Academy days through the winter months. 

After the Development Academy weekends, which focused on core skill development, the players will participate in three Juice Selection Camps, and players will also be identified from the remaining league games, playoffs and championship matches. 

The Juice expect to play in the Regional All-Star Tournament in Pittsburgh in June.

See the full game video here:

https://vimeo.com/streamsports/review/120332921/404eb3cf11