STOCKTON — Area football standouts are preparing for the 39th Annual Lions All-Star Football Classic, which makes its debut at Modesto Junior College Saturday.

Sierra High’s Zach Penirian, East Union’s TJ Williams, Ripon Christian’s James Vander Schaaf and St. Mary’s Jamie Christopherson all look to play prominent roles in the North squad’s quest for its 24th win.

Both Penirian and Williams will try and make contributions on the offensive side, while Vander Schaaf and Christopherson will look to keep things in order defensively from the linebacker spots.

North head coach Brian Gray from Lincoln High feels each player will have to be accountable for the North continue its winning ways (North has won seven of last eight) over a talented South squad.

“Everybody is pretty much a one-way guy,” Gray said of his roster. “We have a couple of two-way guys for certain situations and formations, but everyone is going to play. And to be honest, we are going to need everybody to play. That is sort of how this roster was developed, where you are going to need all 30 to play to win.

“That makes it fun and that makes it fair.”

The North squad has continued its week-long football activities at Stagg High’s newly renovated all-weather football field. The players are being housed in the University of the Pacific dormitories.

Practice sessions have been focused to say the least and players are relishing in the chance to display their skill set a final time before venturing off into the next level.

“It feels to have another opportunity to come out here and play one last game,” Penirian said. “A lot of kids don’t get the opportunity to come out here to do this, so it feels very good to be chosen and I’m really thankful.”

Ripon Christian standout Vander Schaaf helped Ripon Christian put together one the best season in school history and now will look to make a final impact on the field before trying to find a spot on the MJC team this fall.

“It’s nice to be out here and it is some good competition everywhere,” Vander Schaaf said. “It is a good feeling being out here with all these guys. I just want to come out Saturday and play hard; take it like any other game.”

The group will continue its practice regimen through Friday with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. Pregame festivities are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

“I don’t think we’ve had a single disagreement, argument or anything thus far,” Gray said. “Even if its on the surface you wouldn’t even sense it. This has been different; you get kids from different areas, different backgrounds and not a single argument.

“These kids are all watching the same TV channels and playing XBOX; it’s been three days so far.”