JACKSON – Football standouts Billy Ray Miller of Wesson, JasonSnell of Lawrence County and Marcus Gatlin of McComb have beenselected to play in the 51st Annual Bernard Blackwell Classic onFriday, July 19, 2002, at Madison Central High School. The gamekicks off at 7:30 p.m.

Miller (6-1, 200) played fullback for the 11-2 Cobras and islisted as a running back. Wesson won the Division 6-2A title andadvanced to the third round of the state playoffs. He has signed afootball scholarship with the Copiah-Lincoln Wolves.

On the season, Miller rushed 107 times for 1,164 yards for a10.4 average. He scored 17 touchdowns. At linebacker, Miller made144 tackles. He had 1 and 1/2 sacks and recovered two fumbles.

Miller was also named to the MAC All-Star 2A Team as first teamdefensive inside linebacker. He was also selected as Most ValuablePlayer on the Region 6-2A team and the Most Valuable OffensivePlayer on The Daily Leader’s All-Area Football Team.

“It’s exciting,” said Wesson head football coach Ronald Greer.”He (Miller) is the first one we have had to play there since I’vebeen here. We are proud of him. He has worked hard. I hope he goesand enjoys himself.”

Snell (6-0, 180) played for the 9-2 Lawrence County Cougarsunder head coach Trent Hammond. He caught five passes for 95 yearsand scored two touchdowns. On defense, he intercepted fourpasses.

Snell was named to the All-Region 6-4A Team as a running backand to the DL’s All-Area Team. He is listed as a defensive back forthe South All-Stars.

Snell has signed a football scholarship with Delta StateUniversity.

Gatlin (5-8, 155) will be playing wide receiver for the SouthAll-Stars. He also was named to the DL’s All-Area Team.

The South head coach Is Bruce Merchant of Collins. Hisassistants are Perry Coggin of West Marion, Buddy Duke of Laurel,Richard Hall of Pisgah and Kevin Jackson of Collins.