By David Rogers. GREENSBORO, N.C. — An “Offensive MVP” effort by Watauga High School quarterback Cade Keller and a +7 takeways performance by the defense sealed the deal for the West All-Stars on Dec. 21, defeating the East All-Stars, 50-14, in the 2025 North Carolina Coaches Association East-West All-Star Game at Jamieson Stadium.
After the East received the opening kickoff but could only move the ball 15 yards in eight plays, Keller led the West to an opening drive touchdown, highlighted by a 20-yard keeper by the Pioneer senior and capped by a 3-yard TD run by Mozes Morris (West Forsyth HS). The West’s opening drive covered 51 yards in 6 plays, in 2:15.
Keller finished the afternoon having completed 10 of 17 passes for 121 yards and two TDs, although he was also on the front end of a trick play that produced a 35-yard TD. On the play, Keller pitched to Ethan Driver (Davie County HS), who in turn threw to wide receiver Aaryn Tate (Northeast Guilford HS).
As is often the case with all-star games, this one was at times sloppy, especially in the hands of the East. The East quarterback was Geronimo Sanchez, a very athletic signal caller from Cape Fear HS, but he finished game having completed 14 of 27 passes and 1 TD — but offset by five interceptions by West defenders, including two “Pick 6” INTs in the first half.
The opportunistic West defense also forced five fumbles by the East, recovering three of them. Each team recorded 10 tackles for loss, but the West’s five INTs stood out, with one each by five different players. Calvin Ramseur (Shelby HS) was named defensive MVP for the game and poached the first “Pick 6” of the afternoon, midway through the first quarter. Kamdon Gillespie’s (Mooresville HS) 41-yard “Pick 6” opened the scoring in the second quarter. Other INTs were by Jeremiah Deese (Northeast Guilford HS), Bubba Sims (Williams HS) and Xavier Porter (West Charlotte).
Watauga’s Brady Lindenmuth, an offensive line selection for the West, said of the experience after the game, “It was such a blast to be able to play this game with all of these guys. It is a real honor.”
J.K. Adkins of Freedom High School served as the West head coach this year and was quick to deflect any praise to the players and his assistant coaches. He offered special praise for offensive coordinator Ryan Habich, Watauga’s head coach, saying, “Ryan Habich is one of the most brilliant offensive minds in high school football.”
BONUS PHOTOS
