Central Clarion Wildcats Ashton Rex And Ethan Wenner Have Solid Outings For The North In The 38th Annual Lezzer Lumber Classic All-Star Football Game

Photos submitted by the Rex’s: Above – Coach Eggleton, Ethan, Ashton and Coach Wiser

Central Clarion Wildcats Ashton Rex and Ethan Wenner both turned in solid performances for the North Squad in the Central Pennsylvania Football Coaches Association’s (CPFCA) 38th Annual Lumber Classic All-Star Football Game on Sunday, July 11th, at Gray Veteran’s Memorial Field in Tyrone. Ryan Hummell was also selected, but couldn’t play due to knee surgery.

Former Clarion Area and Central Clarion Coach Larry Wiser is the North Team Supervisor.

The Lezzer Lumber Classic is one of the longest running and highly esteemed regional football all-star games in the state. The CPFCA selects players from member schools and programs in all classifications, 1A to 6A, from an extensive area, south of Altoona, north to Brockway, to Bald Eagle Area to the east, to Keystone and Union/A-C Valley to the west, to participate in the contest.

Though the North fell 45-20, Ashton and Ethan still had some special moments on the field, with Ashton at wide receiver and Ethan on the defensive line.

Ashton caught two passes, including a 39 yard touchdown pass from Daniel McGarry with 8:50 left in the contest. The touchdown was the North’s last score.

Ethan, who was double teamed a lot, was in on several tackles and stripped the ball from the South quarterback. Though the North didn’t recover it, it was still a quality play.

With the victory, the South snapped a five game win streak by the North.

Ashton had this to say, “It was a great experience to get out and play with another group of guys and see the different talent levels out there, as well as enjoying playing with some of (my) future teammates at the next level.” 

And Ethan shared, “This All-Star football game was a cool experience, from getting to know the players and coaches and messing around with each other to working our butts off to earn our position. This was the first time I have ever been a part of something like this, and I think everyone should get to experience it.

“It’s a shame that we lost. We all worked very hard for that game but couldn’t bring the win home. The team got along good, and even spent a good amount of time together after practice. After that one week of practice it felt like I was lining up on that field with some good friends.

“I’m glad I got the opportunity to play in this game, it was a lot of fun. I appreciate all that make this event possible to players like myself.”

Central Clarion Coach Dave Eggleton, who was at the game to cheer on his players said, “I thought Ashton and Ethan represented the Central Clarion program very well. Ashton had a big touchdown catch and Ethan was in on several tackles and ate up a lot of double teams.

“Coach Wiser did a great job organizing the game.

“Our players are blessed to have this opportunity.” 

Coach Wiser has coached in this game a number of times, but this is his first year as the North Team Coordinator. 

He mentioned, “I thought it was a great experience especially for our two players. I thought from my perspective, from the sidelines watching, they both had good games.

The kids had a great experience. “The DelGrosso family was kind enough to allow the teams to use the waterpark (at DelGrosso Park in Tipton, on Saturday). We had the South go out after practice and the North followed them a little bit later. And they fed them the famous DelGrosso hoagies, that various groups sell (for fundraisers) around here. I think it added to the All-Star experience for the players.

“Of course, the game on Sunday was pretty exciting.”       

Coach Wiser mentioned something in the works that is very exciting. “Next year, we’re hoping to get an All-Star Cheerleading squad and an All-Star Band. So there will be opportunities for kids to get involved with cheerleading (and band) that represent these various schools, which would include Central Clarion.

As All-Stars the band and cheerleading members would also some of the same perks provided to the football players, among those perks, the CPFCA hopes to provide opportunities for them to get scholarship money also.       

In addition to any practice and sideline duties, Coach Wiser and South Coordinator Tom Shearer helped to coordinate game day PA announcements, get the people on the field that were being recognized, Outstanding Coaches for the North and South and Hall of Fame inductees, families of two coaches who passed away. CPFCA provided their families with some money for a fund (in their name). 

Coach Wiser said, “… Overall it was a busy day, but it was a fun day for me, I’m sure Tom would say the same.”

(Congratulations Ashton, Ethan, Ryan and Coach Wiser!!!! Thanks to the Rex’s for their photos!!)