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Local talent to represent CV, CHS
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Marcellus Boykins earned an invitation to play in the Lions All-Star Game. - photo by DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Rivals for three seasons, Jonathan Barragan and Marcellus Boykins earned invitations to play for the same team at the 44th Annual Lions All-Star Football Game this Saturday in Tracy.

Barragan (Central Valley) and Boykins (Ceres High) will suit up for the South squad, along with talent from Los Banos, Pacheco, Beyer, Downey, Gregori, Modesto High, Central Catholic, Modesto Christian, Turlock, Pitman, Merced, Golden Valley, Oakdale, Hilmar, Delhi and Orestimba.

Jonathan, Marcellus and their teammates will practice and stay in the dorms at Stanislaus State the week leading up to the all-star contest.

"We're going to be on the same team," Jonathan said. "It should be fun."

The South team will be coached by Los Banos' Dustin Caropreso.

"I was one of the lucky players to get chosen to play in the game," Barragan said. "I found out two weeks ago. It's a big deal. To be selected, you have to be a quality player."

Jonathan will contribute at running back and defensive back.

Marcellus will catch passes at receiver. He might also log playing time at cornerback.

"I'm expecting to play on both sides of the ball," Jonathan said.

Barragan and Boykins both filled the stat sheet during their final seasons with the Hawks and Bulldogs, respectively.

A standout at wideout, Marcellus ranked fifth in the Sac-Joaquin Section in receptions (78), ninth in yards (1,145) and 10th in touchdowns (9) as the Bulldogs posted a 4-6 overall record and placed fourth in the Western Athletic Conference standings (2-3).

Boykins earned first-team all-league honors for the second time.

Marcellus caught 151 passes for 2,144 yards and 13 touchdowns during his three-year career.

"The kid is phenomenal," Ceres High head coach Bret Durossette said. "He's a tremendous, off-the-charts athlete. He has a combination of everything-speed, finishing and hands. He has such a great passion for the game. We'll forever remember Marcellus."

Jonathan enjoyed a breakout campaign as the Hawks' featured running back in 2016.

He was named to the WAC First Team.

"He had a fantastic season," Central Valley head coach Scott Edwards said.

Barragan rushed for 1,148 yards and 13 TDs.

"I'm not going to lie," Barragan said. "My junior year was kind of a struggle. I had to be patient and wait with Moses (Ghiorso) and Jamarea (Lumpkin) out there. Senior year, I knew I had to step up. I worked as hard as I could. Coach gave me the ball and trusted me."

Jonathan filled a starring role as Central Valley reached new heights in 2016.

The Hawks (9-2, 5-0) made history by winning their first-ever conference championship and setting a program record for victories in a season.

The Lions All-Star contest will be staged at Wayne Schneider Stadium.

Kickoff slated for 7 p.m.