Running back Jimmy Popp will take to the field one more time before heading off to college.
Popp has been chosen to play in the Michigan High School All Star Football game on July 19.
‘It will be my last good-bye to football,? said Popp.
‘It will be something he’ll never forget,? said long-time varsity football coach Kurt Richardson. ‘He will be playing with the best of the best. Some will go on to play on a professional level. It will be a great experience for Jimmy.?
During Richardson’s 32 years coaching, he said only five Clarkston players have been chosen to play in the All Star game.
Richardson nominated Popp and a few other players from the football team to play in the game.
‘He’s an outstanding high school football player,? said Richardson.
From there, a board of 10 coaches picked players to play on the East and West teams.
Popp had an idea he was nominated, but said he didn’t know for sure until he found out in January he had been selected to play in the annual game.
During his junior season, Popp rushed 683 years, made 150 attempts and scored 14 touchdowns for the Wolves.
‘He was hurt most of season,? said Richardson. ‘It would have been more.?
Popp was born with extra bones in both of his feet, which tore his tendons and caused his ankles to roll. He missed a lot of playing time because of it.
He had surgery a few months before his senior football season began and was able to play in more games.
Last fall, Popp rushed 1,063 yards and made 200 attempts. He scored 10 touchdowns.
‘It’s the first game I will be completely healthy for,? Popp said. ‘I can see how I measure up.?
Popp played with the Clarkston Chiefs when he was 10 years old. He has always been into sports and liked football the best because of the contact and intensity involved in the game.
Many of Popp’s teammates on the East team will continue to play football in college. But Popp is counting this game as his last game before he begins to study physical therapy at Michigan State University in the fall.
‘It’s all about fun. I am looking forward to playing,? he said.
He will be joined by Lake Orion’s Ethan Ruhland, Oxford’s Zach Line, and Waterford Our Lady of the Lake’s Andrew Barrowcliff.
Popp will also play with five players from five of the top 10 teams in the state. On his team is Rodney Hush from number one ranked Macomb Dakota, Josh Renel from number five ranked Rochester Adams; Michael Martin from ranked seven Detroit Catholic Central; Jason Semmes from number nine ranked, Orchard Lake St.Mary’s; and Caulton Ray IX from ranked 10, Brother Rice.
The East team will be coached by Paul Verska from Warren DeLaSalle.
The 28th Annual All Star Football Game is set for Saturday, July 19, at Spartan Stadium, Michigan State University. Tickets are $10 at the gate. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.