North Wins In Another Lions Barnburner
The 49th annual Central California Lions All-Star Football Game delivered another down-to-the-wire finish, with the North holding off the South for a 42–37 win at Wayne Schneider Stadium in Tracy. A late-game decision on fourth down helped the North keep possession and run out the final moments after the South cut the lead to five with under four minutes left.
North quarterback Zakery Willson (Sierra, Manteca) was credited with game MVP honors after accounting for four touchdowns (three passing, one rushing). Stockton’s receivers made life difficult for the South secondary throughout the night, and the game featured multiple momentum swings plus a pair of trick-play moments that kept the crowd guessing.
The South answered repeatedly with big plays of its own, including a double-pass touchdown that helped set up the final frantic sequence. When the dust settled, the North’s timely conversion in the closing minutes proved to be the difference.
MVPs & Defensive Leaders (2025)
- Game MVP: Zakery Willson (Sierra, Manteca)
- Offensive MVP: Isaac Sagapolu (Edison, Stockton)
- Defensive MVP: M.J. Uili (Modesto)
Defensive leaders
North
- Ahymri Hall (St. Mary’s) — 6 tackles, pass deflection
- Ruben Moreno (Manteca) — 5 tackles
- Isaiah White (Manteca) — 4 tackles, two tipped passes
- Adrian Bankston (Bear Creek) — 4 tackles, QB pressure, tipped 2-pt conversion pass
- Jaylon Mays (Lincoln) — 2 tackles, interception
South
- M.J. Uili (Modesto) — 13 tackles
- Aiden Millan (Atwater) — 11 tackles
- Reis Smith (Ceres) — 8 tackles, pass deflection
- Ryne Moore (Modesto Downey) — 5 tackles, two sacks
- Quintell Dupree (Merced) — 3 tackles, two sacks
- Seneca Ybarra (Atwater) — 7 tackles
- Colton Taylor (Hughson) — blocked punt (per CalHiSports game notes)