By By Matthew Nascone
This Friday three Escambia Academy athletes will represent their school in Selma. Senior Joe Drew will play in the All-Star Classic at "Shug" Jordan Stadium in Selma Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. Seniors Rachel Ellis and Katie Smith will be on the sideline cheering on the Class 2A West squad.
"Joe was the third guy selected for the West squad," EA head coach Heath Gibson said. "And that says a lot about how hard he has worked through his career. It takes more than my vote to get him in and he has impressed the other coaches along the way."
Drew carried the rock 208 times this year for 1,116 yards and 10 touchdowns as the Cougars' fullback. He made 83 tackles snuffing the middle as a linebacker on defense.
"He has been a big asset to our program," Gibson said. "He was a starter as a ninth grader and he did a lot of good things for our team."
Drew started his career on offense as an offensive guard. He switched to fullback for his junior season. On the other side of the ball Gibson said he carried a lot of the load for the team and did a great job.
Ellis and Smith were named all-stars at the AISA Cheerleading camp they attended July 10-13. They were also named Universal Cheerleading Association All-Stars at the camp along with Courtney Bruley.
The pair of cheerleaders are the only two seniors on the Cougars' squad.
Gibson said he is proud of all three of them and he cannot wait to go support them Friday.
"We are excited for them and we hope everyone goes and supports them Friday," he said. "And we will see you in Selma."