The 2026 Lions All-Star Game concluded with Team North edging Team South 26-21 in a tightly contested match that showcased emerging talent from across the region.
Mason Calvert earned the game's Most Valuable Player honor after delivering a standout defensive showing, recording three interceptions that swung momentum in North's favor.
The decisive score came when Carson Anderson crossed the goal line for the winning touchdown, capping a drive that had earlier seen Dathen Moore power the offense and Ty Wurzer punch in a short-yardage rush.
Head coach Ross Griffith praised Calvert's leadership, noting how his ability to read the opposing offense not only generated turnovers but also inspired teammates to play with heightened intensity.
A Celebration of Unity
The North squad spent the week prior to the contest training at Simpson College, a setting that fostered close bonds among players who arrived from different schools but left as a cohesive unit.
Offensively, Jordan Mercer, typically a lineman, found himself deployed on the defensive line, illustrating the versatility and trust the coaching staff placed in each athlete.
Beyond statistics, participants highlighted the camaraderie that developed during practices and the friendships that will endure beyond the game, with Calvert describing the experience as one of the most enjoyable of his life.