The dynamic duo of Sevante Quinn and John Hilbert of Brookhaven High will cap their high school careers on Saturday in Gulfport at the Bernard Blackwell All-Star Game.

The North/South All-Star game is in its 70th year and is put on by the Mississippi Association of Coaches. The game kicks off at 11:30 a.m. on Lindy Callahan Field at Gulfport High School. Mississippi Public Broadcasting will televise the game statewide.

Each team consists of 42 players and Chris Jones of Starkville High is coaching the North while Tyler Peterson of Brandon is leading the South squad.

Hilbert was a MAC 5A All-State selection after catching 57 passes for 826 yards and nine touchdowns in 2018. Hilbert was the leading pass catcher for BHS in his sophomore, junior and senior seasons.

Quinn finished his career at BHS with a senior season in which he went 116-of-221 for 1,530 yards and 15 touchdowns through the air. Quinn also rushed 139 times for 417 yards and seven scores. He missed one game with an injury as a senior.

Hilbert says the South team hasn’t gotten too complicated with their offense in practice.

“They’ve been keeping it simple so far with the offense,” said Hilbert. “I’ve been impressed with Darius Ruffin, a wide receiver from Hattiesburg. He’s a guy I didn’t know before who’s been playing well in practice.”

The connection between Quinn and Hilbert was always something special to watch. Whenever Quinn would scramble, he would always be aware of where Hilbert was on the field. So, on Saturday when Quinn is looking for an option, will he be looking for his teammate above everyone else?

“I think he’ll make the right play,” said Hilbert.

Quinn, on the other hand, says his receiver has nothing to worry about.

“No doubt I’m going to find him,” Quinn says with a smile. “The offense is simple, but I think we’ll be able to go out and make some plays.”

With only two quarterbacks on the roster, expect Quinn to see plenty of time on Saturday. The linebackers can’t blitz in the game. Offensive teams can’t use motion either and Quinn expects those rules to allow him to sit back and throw the ball.

The duo left on Wednesday and drove to Hattiesburg where a bus picked them up and delivered them to the coast.

Both Quinn and Hilbert expect large groups of family members to come watch them in their final high school game.

“I’m expecting a big crowd,” said Hilbert.

Story by Cliff Furr