With Spring sports all but wrapped up, the Boys of Fall will start to ramp up their offseason training to prepare for the 2024 high school football season. We all want the summer to last, but in just a few months, fans will be packed in on a Friday night to watch their team’s opening kickoff sail through the crisp Autumn air. 

Football fans across the state have been able to get their fix in the past few days as we have been streaming the Phill Simms and Paul Robeson All-Star classics right here on Big State Sports. The 30th Annual Robeson Classic took place at Belleville High School on Tuesday, giving graduating seniors from the East and the West an opportunity to stand out on the big stage.

The West emerged victorious over the East with a final score of 23-12, but the real thrill was witnessing the players bring their A-game during an exhibition in June, with the stadium packed to its capacity. 

East Offensive Player of the Game: Adonis White (West Orange)

White started his high school career at DePaul Catholic but found a home at West Orange. This kid will be a key player wherever he goes to play football, and he showcased his talent on Tuesday night. White broke off an electric 75-yard touchdown for the East All-Stars in the first half. The 1,000-yard running back had a second TD called back on a hold where, to be honest, he was scoring anyway.

Not only did White show his agility and speed, but he also was a pass-catching threat out of the backfield for the East and is an elite kick returner.

East Defensive Player of the Game: Zakai Armstrong (Weequahic)

Armstrong stood out for the East in this game and throughout his senior year. The Vikings DB was a ballhawk in 2023 with two picks (one of them being a pick-six), returning two fumbles to the house for Weequahic. 

West Offensive Player of the Game: Nigel Jennings (Paterson East Side)

The dual-threat quarterback from Paterson Eastside lived up to his reputation for the West All-Stars, scoring the game’s first touchdown with a 5-yard scamper.

Jennings showed poise and pocket awareness, standing tall and delivering clutch completions, dropping a dime to Hanover Park’s Kevin Loparnos at the end of the first half.

West Defensive Player of the Game: LaDanian Pless (PCTI)

I could be a bit biased in my comparison, but as a Green Bay Packers fan, LaDanian Pless reminds me of Kenny Clark. The interior defensive lineman (actual position depends on the defensive scheme) had a top-class All-Star game. Whether he was blowing up rushing plays for the East or getting after the QB, the 2024 “Heart of a Giant” nominee was an absolute force on Tuesday.

Honorable Mention

Roxbury’s Gunner Hilsinger did it all for the Western All-Star Special Teams. That shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who watched the Gaels in 2023 with Hilsinger burying 31 PATs and three field goals. 

Hilsinger just played in the Phil Simms All-Star game and shined in the Roberson Classic, burying a field goal and pinning a punt inside the five. He is lined up to play his college ball at DII Wingate in North Carolina this fall.

A Look Ahead

As the school year comes to a close, the 2024 football season is just beginning across the state. Players from all over the state will begin their journey towards a state championship in the hot dog days of August.

Each team will have a shot at the title in 2024 if they give everything they have and embrace the journey.

As the great Eric Taylor in Friday Night Lights always said, “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts…Can’t Lose”