Hampton, VA – The East All-Stars took their opening possession and marched 69 yards on 18 plays, capping the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run by Hampton’s Alvin Banks. Much the way they controlled the opening drive, the East would control the 2002 VHSCA All-Star game, dominating the West All-Stars en route to a 21-7 victory.

Led by the play of MVP’s defensive lineman Brendan Summers and quarterback Anthony Martinez, the East squad stuffed the West offense while sustaining key drives to put the game out of reach.

Virginia Tech fans on hand were able to see flashes of the future, as the game boasted 12 future Hokies. The East squad featured such standouts as Jonathan Lewis, Marcus Vick, Darryl Tapp, Jimmy Williams, Noland Burchette, Brandon Gore, and walk-on placekicker Brandon Pace. Wide Receiver Josh Hyman will attend Fork Union Military Academy this fall, but has already pledged a commitment to Virginia Tech. Mike Imoh, Chris Burnett, Brian McPherson, and Cary Wade represented the Hokies on the West squad.

Perhaps no one was more impressed with the new Hokie regime than Virginia signee Anthony Martinez, who was the lone Cavalier on the East squad.

"No Virginia guys were on my team," said Martinez, who would finish 10-17 for 149 yards. "I caught a little bit from the Tech guys, but it was all fun and games. I heard about Jimmy Williams all year long and I never thought I would get the chance to play with him. Marcus Vick, he is a heck of a receiver too. Tech has a bunch of good athletes coming in. We [UVA] have a great class coming in, and so does Tech. Those guys [Williams and Vick] were a heck of a pair of receivers."

By the end, Jimmy Williams made four receptions for 61 yards. A couple more catches were nullified due to offensive penalties. Marcus Vick ended the game 2-3 for 16 yards passing and caught two passes for 42 yards, including a spectacular over-the-shoulder grab for 30 yards in the second quarter. He also added 23 yards on the ground, most of which was from the opening drive.

The East rushed 15 times out of 18 plays in the opening drive, chewing up territory as well as the clock before Banks’ 1-yard touchdown run. Marcus Vick led the drive, rushing 3 times for 22 yards and throwing for 16 more. On the drive, the East marched easily downfield, but the West responded, stopping the East deep in West territory when linebacker Jamar Atkinson tracked down Vick for a 3-yard loss on third down. The East was forced to settle for a field goal attempt. A roughing the kicker penalty discounted Brandon Pace’s made field goal, giving the East a 1^st and goal on the 6. Three plays later, they would score.

It was four and out for the West’s first offensive possession, as Ahmad Brooks was stuffed on the first play from scrimmage. Running up the middle would be a tough task for the West all day, especially with defensive tackle Jonathan Lewis manning the inside. Lewis would go on and have a huge impact on the game, plugging up the run while getting in on a quarterback sack as well. All in all, Lewis felt good about the way he played.

"I think I did a pretty good job, holding my ground," said Lewis, who was celebrating his 18^th birthday. "I made some tackles and got in on a sack…I just played well all-around."

Both squads could not sustain any sort of drive for the next few possessions. Led by Lewis and a key sack by Darryl Tapp deep in West territory, the West could not extend the ball beyond midfield. But halfway through the second quarter, the East would receive the spark they so desperately needed.

Ahmad Brooks, who would go on to earn West offensive MVP honors, took a Brandon Pace punt 76 yards down to the East 11 yard line. One play later, Brooks made what may have been the highlight of the game. Brooks took the handoff from quarterback Gary Price and faked the run, dropping back for a halfback pass. Brooks slipped, managed to avoid the rush, scrambled to the left and fired an 11-yard touchdown strike to Price on the left side of the end zone. Jared White tacked on the extra point to even the score at 7-7.

Led by Anthony Martinez and Marcus Vick, the East answered right back. On the second play of the drive, Martinez floated a fade to a streaking Vick, who was being blanketed by cornerback Cary Wade. With the ball slightly under-thrown, Vick adjusted to the ball and made an outstanding leaping grab, managing to keep both feet in bounds. The pass was good for 30 yards to the West 44, and the momentum was back with the East. A 16-yard pass play from Martinez to Jimmy Williams and a 15 yard screen pass to running back Travis McCright set up a 2-yard touchdown run by fullback Noland Burchette. The East had gone 74 yards on 10 plays and taken a 14-7 lead.

From that point, Martinez and the East receivers, especially Williams, were clicking. With Williams’ success at wide receiver, one would wonder if the Tech coaching staff may give him a look on offense. While Williams enjoys offense, he hopes to play on the other side of the ball during his time in Blacksburg.

"It was fun," said Williams of playing receiver. "But I like defense. I like to hit."

The ensuing West possession ended quickly with an interception by linebacker Antoine Bethea off of Doug Jones. Martinez quickly connected with Josh Hyman for 19 yards, setting up a Brandon Pace field goal attempt. East linebacker and defensive MVP Justin London broke through the line, blocking Pace’s attempt. It was just one of many big plays London would make throughout the game, and it kept the West within one touchdown of the East.

The beginning of the third quarter marked the beginning of the end for the West. On the third possession, the West fumbled deep in their own territory. East linebacker Leonard Brooks made the recovery and scampered down to the West 10. Three plays later, Travis McCright rushed in from 3 yards out, stretching the lead to 21-7.

The West would make a valiant effort on the ensuing drive, making it down to the East 12 yard line. Brooks made several good catches, including a 14-yard reception on fourth down to keep the drive alive. Running back Mike Imoh was stopped short on fourth down of the next series, ending an important drive for the West.

The West would have more chances in the fourth quarter, but hopes ended when East defensive back Barry Drakeford intercepted a Gary Price pass. The West would get no more chances. Anthony Martinez connected with Jimmy Williams on a key third down in the waning moments, ending all hopes of a West comeback.

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