The Lions All-Star Football Game is back after a three-year hiatus.

The 47th installment will take place next Saturday, June 24 at Tracy High’s Wayne Schneider Stadium and will include to Manteca-area standouts.

Manteca linebacker Alijah Cota and Lathrop offensive lineman Hector Meza will be part of the North team coached by Edison’s Booker Guyton. The South will be co-coached by Trent Merzon of Oakdale and Tim Garcia of Grace Davis.

The last Lions All-Star Football Game was played in 2019 at Lincoln’s Alex G. Spanos Stadium. The next three were cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The North team is comprised of 2023 graduates from schools in San Joaquin County and the Mother Lode and holds a 25-19-1 all-time lead. The South is made up of athletes from Stanislaus and Merced counties. The North snapped a six-game winless streak in 2019, winning in the final moments, 19-18.

Cota was a two-way contributor for Manteca’s SJS Division II championship team, playing fullback and tight end on offense. The 6-foot-3, 235-pounnd inside linebacker was named Co-Outstanding Defensive Player in the Valley Oak League after leading the Buffaloes (11-2) with 80 tackles, 15 for losses, 2 ½ sacks and two interceptions.

Manteca went on to compete in the California Interscholastic Federation Division I-A Northern Regional Bowl Game at Pittsburg. Although the Buffs lost 35-14, it’s the highest-level postseason game in program history.

Merzon will get to coach in one last game after retiring following the 2022 season. He was the longest-tenured coach in the VOL and goes out as one of the winningest coaches (225-62-2) in the SJS. He will be in good company for the Lions All-Star Football Game, as his staff includes former Oakdale coach Mark Malone and former Central Catholic coach Mike Glines. Merzon’s son, Mick, is a receiver on the South team.

The 47th game will be dedicated to the memory of longtime Lions All-Star Football Game committee member Gene Weatherby, who died last March at age 86. His son Jason played and coached for Calaveras High and was selected to play and coach for the Lions North all-stars. Grandson Logan played in the 2019 contest.

Practices for both teams — the North will be at Edison in Stockton, while the South trains at Gregori in Modesto — will be next Monday-Friday from 5-7 p.m. Although the players are no longer staying at dorms, as had been the tradition for the all-stars, local Lions clubs will provide meals for the players at practice.

Gates will open at 5 p.m. on game day. Lineups will be announced at 6, and kickoff is set for 7. Admission is $10. Only cash is accepted for tickets at the gate, concessions and souvenir items. Tickets may also be purchased in advance on GoFan.