By Pete Borello

Despite graduating in the spring, eight area athletes will get one more chance to play high school football.

The local contingent– Mountain View High’s Sean Manson, St. Francis’ J.P. Bellotti, Mike Manoukian, Matt Richards and Tony Sackman, Homestead’s Will Faules and Ramont Thomas, and Gunn’s Phil Ghilarducci — will play for the North All-Stars in the Silicon Valley Youth Classic.

Also known as the Charlie Wedemeyer High School All-Star Football Game, the 29th-annual contest kicks off at 7:30 p.m., July 23, at San Jose City College.

“It’s cool to be in it,” said Manson, among three quarterbacks on the North squad. “It should be a lot of fun; I’m looking forward to it.”

One of Manson’s main targets expects to be Ghilarducci, a receiver/defensive back headed to Oregon State. One weapon that won’t be at Manson’s disposal is Homestead receiver Garren Strong, who turned down an invitation to play because he is already at the University of Oregon preparing for his first college season.

Manson likely will share the field with another Homestead player: running back Will Faules, last year’s SCVAL El Camino Division MVP. They also will be teammates next season, having both committed to play at Foothill College.

A pair of St. Francis players might see some passes next week as well, with Bellotti and Richards both slated to play tight end for the North. Fellow Lancers Manoukian and Sackman will be on the other side of the ball, playing on what should be a stout defensive line.

“The guys (on the line) have tremendous talent,” said Manoukian, who plans to play with Bellotti at UC Davis next year. “They all have size and are really good.”

Homestead’s Thomas will be right behind them, manning one of the linebacker spots. A three-year all-league player, Thomas takes his considerable skills to San Jose State in the fall.

North head coach Shawn Thomas of Leigh High expects all eight local players to make an impact in the game against the South All-Stars.

“We’re counting on each of these players to make key contributions,” he said. “They have all proven themselves to be outstanding athletes.”

Tickets to next week’s game, priced at $10, are available in advance from the San Jose Box Office and on game day at the main gate at San Jose City College Stadium.

For more information about the Silicon Valley Youth Classic, call (408) 268-7196 or logon to www.youthclassic.org.