Published: July 23, 2008 11:45 am         

Defense carries North to 16-7 win

Clinton — South Panola cornerback Bud Barksdale returned an interception 52 yards for a first-quarter score and the North came up with five turnovers to defeat the South 16-7 Thursday in the 59th annual Bernard Blackwell All-Star Classic.

The North’s defense got interceptions from Kenneth Roby of Noxubee County and Lynn Williams from DeSoto Central and a fumble recovery by Callaway’s Jonotario Woodcox.

The North widened its lead to 13-0 when Alvin Ellis of Columbus scored on a 5-yard run.

The South scored when North Forrest quarterback Emil Jones threw a 23-yard TD pass to Meridian’s Cedrick Blanks.

The North blocked a punt to set up a 38-yard field goal by Horn Lake’s Tyler Turner for the winning margin.