The Angeline Academy Athletic Complex was buzzing Friday night as the county’s top senior football players took the field for the annual Pasco County FCA All-Star Game, where the West All-Stars powered their way to a 21–3 victory over the East in a matchup that blended rivalry, pride, and one final high school showcase.
Presented by AdventHealth and ANR Tire Express, the event drew a modest crowd, with fans filling the stands long before the 7 p.m. kickoff. Parking lots filled, QR codes were scanned nonstop, and the energy never dipped as families and students arrived ready to cheer on their hometown stars.
The West squad wasted no time establishing control, scoring on a steady mix of power runs and timely throws while holding the East to a lone field goal. Their defense was relentless, closing gaps, forcing hurried passes, and keeping the East’s explosive athletes from ever fully finding their rhythm.
By halftime, the West held a 14-3 lead—but after the break, The west added a score in the final minute to seal the 21–3 win.
The East side included a strong Zephyrhills High School contingent, with Ethen Frederick, Hunter Bowman, Raymond Carr, Alexander Chavez, Dax Kirkland, Roe Miller, and Patrick Harding. Harding did not play due to a wrist injury.
Ina ddition to the players, cheerleaders, Jessa Crandell, Andriana Carpenter, Hailey Dortch and Alexussandra Navarro were members of the east cheer squad.
The East All-Stars, featuring senior standouts from Zephyrhills, Wiregrass Ranch, Wesley Chapel, Pasco, and Cypress Creek, battled throughout the night but couldn’t overcome the West’s defensive pressure.
The Bulldogs practiced with a became teammates with players who were rivals throughout the fall season.
“Oh, yeah, yeah. It’s definitely cool. You have a bond that you don’t expect with these players from other schools,” said Bowman, the starting center for the east.
Zephyrhills coach Nick Carroll served as offensive coordinator on the east staff and was able to coach some of his seniors again.
“It’s great to coach them one more time and have some practices,” Carroll said. “Even though it’s an all-star game, it still sucks to lose your last game together.”
The FCA gave seniors one more chance to represent their schools and make friendships.
“There was a lot of preparation, you know, a lot of just rebuilding a bond with new players from across the conference,” said Miller, who was the lead back for the east squad. “We were just doing whatever we could to produce and play some plays as a team. It was an honor to put the “Z” on one more time.”
