Mooresville quarterback Nick Patterson leads South to All-Star game victory
INDIANAPOLIS — Less than three minutes into the 57th annual Murat Shrine North/South Football All Star Classic, an errant snap sailed over Nick Patterson’s head. Patterson — who was quarterbacking for the South team — corralled the ball on the “C” of Decatur Central’s north end zone and committed an intentional grounding penalty, causing a safety.
The disastrous play gave the North team an early 2-0 lead and possession of the ball. North looked to be in position to add to its lead until former Warren Central cornerback and Butler commit Devaon Holman intercepted a JJ Johnson pass to give South life.
All Patterson needed was a chance.
After the interception, Patterson marched South down the field in a 14-play, 67-yard drive that lasted seven minutes and 55 seconds. The Mooresville product and Saginaw Valley State commit tallied 26 rushing yards while completing two passes on the game-altering drive in the first quarter. South’s drive was capped by Patterson finding former Tri and future Marian tight end Parker Burk in the end zone for a touchdown.
North never saw the lead — nor a point — again.
“Man, I was doing me, honestly,” Patterson said of his response to the safety. “All I think in my mind, ‘Next play.’”
South dominated the rest of the game, winning 21-2 for its third-consecutive win in the series. The victory gives South a 30-26 record over North in the series’ history.
In the second quarter, former Greenfield-Central and future Saint Francis running back Andrew Zellers converted on a 4-yard touchdown run for South. Late in the third quarter, former Evansville Mater Dei and soon-to-be Ball State quarterback Mason Wunderlich completed a 5-yard touchdown to former Cathedral and future Butler wide receiver David Ayers for the night's final score.
The game was halted prior to the scoreboard hitting zeroes for sportsmanship issues. In a game loaded with chippiness — there were 17 total penalties — North’s final offensive drive included three penalties and a skirmish that caused the officiating crew to end the game with 4:09 left.
Patterson was named the game’s Tyler Roth MVP after completing six of his eight passes for 72 yards and a touchdown while tacking on 36 rushing yards.
“I’m truly humbled,” Patterson said. “I thank God for my ability, and I'm truly blessed for this moment to play this game.”
Friday’s game concludes an illustrious high school career for Patterson. The Mooresville graduate recorded 81 passing touchdowns and 42 rushing touchdowns in three seasons as the Pioneers’ starting quarterback. Mooresville had a 28-8 record with Patterson under center.
For the third and final time in his career, Patterson won on rivals’ Decatur Central field.
“You know me, I love winning on Decatur’s field,” Patterson said with a smile after winning at Devere Fair Stadium again.
While Patterson and the South offense got going, the defense was solid from start to finish. North threw two interceptions and gained just six first downs all game.
“Phenomenal effort by all of our players,” said Bret Szabo, Tecumseh head football coach and South defensive coordinator. “We lined up right, we got to the football and we were physical when we got there.”
North only had 98 yards of total offense Friday. The longest North drive by yardage was the 59-yard drive that concluded with the game’s abrupt ending.
The week started with players reporting to the campus of the University of Indianapolis, where players and coaches stayed overnight throughout the week. Three days of practices and gatherings led to another victory in the all-time series for South, with MVP Nick Patterson stealing the show.
Players from both rosters will now focus on getting to their respective campuses and beginning their college careers.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Mooresville's Nick Patterson leads South to IFCA All-Star football win
