Schalick All-Stars

Wilson, Siedlecki selected for the South squad of the Phil Simms North-South All-Star Football Classic in June; Woodstown’s Eichler revealed Friday

By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News

PITTSGROVE – Schalick football coach Mike Wilson is honored to be a part of the coaching staff for the South team in the Phil Simms North-South All-Star Classic, but what really has him excited is the chance to one more time coach one of his players.

Wilson and Cougars senior Jake Siedlecki have been selected for the game, scheduled for June 9 at Kean University. Wilson will serve as the team’s defensive coordinator and if he has anything to say about it, Siedlecki, a two-way standout during the regular season, will be on the defensive side with him.

“It’s an honor,” Wilson said. “The Phil Simms North-South Game has been around a long time. I’m actually more looking forward to coaching another game with Jake. I find that more special than anything.

“It’s an honor to be included in a prestigious game like that. It’s going to be a lot of fun. Like I told Jake today, we get to do one more game together, which I think is really cool.”

This will be Wilson’s first coaching experience in the game.

He guided the Cougars to one of their best seasons in school history in his fourth season with the program. They won their first 11 games, earned a No. 1 seed in the Central Jersey Group I playoffs and played for the sectional title. Siedlecki led the team in receiving (13-321-4) and interceptions (5).

“The game is going to be fun,” Siedlecki said. “To be coached one more time by my coach will be a great experience and I’m excited to meet some of the other players. It seems like a pretty cool weekend to be a part of, so I’m looking forward to it.”

On Friday, former Woodstown coach John Adams posted on his X page that Wolverines lineman Damien Eichler has been selected for the game. It isn’t known if any other Salem County coaches or players have been picked for the game. South squad executive committee met earlier this week to select its roster. Full rosters are expected to announced in mid-March.

Cover photo by Heather Papiano