By DOUG DONNELLY 

SOUTHFIELD – Shea Ruddy impressed his coaches at the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All-Star game over the weekend so much that he barely came off the field when it came time for the game. 

Ruddy, who was the Division 7/8 Associated Press Player of the Year after leading Whiteford to the state championship last season, was a team captain, started at cornerback and played slot receiver for nearly the entire game Saturday. 

“It was a lot more than I expected,” said Ruddy after the game. “It was probably the hottest game I’ve ever played in, plus I haven’t done football conditioning in a long time. I’m probably the most tired I’ve ever been after a game.” 

Ruddy was one of three Monroe County Region players to play in the game. Monroe’s Owen Yount was one of the East’s receivers, catching one pass on the day. Gibraltar Carlson’s Ben Przytula played both ways as well, getting time on the offensive line and at defensive end. 

Ruddy ran the ball once for seven yards and caught one pass for nine yards. He played on special teams, lining up to return a punt once. On defense he had a solo tackle and batted down what looked like was going to be a touchdown for the West in the end zone. 

“Even though we lost it was a lot of fun,” Ruddy said. “Just to be here was a great honor. It was really great competition. It’s a good introduction to college for me.” 

Ruddy had a couple of familiar faces with him. Two Whiteford coaches – head coach Todd Thieken and assistant coach Ben Avis – were on the East coaching staff. Former Whiteford coach Jason Mensing, who was head coach when Ruddy was inserted into the starting lineup at quarterback for his first game his freshman season, was also on hand, representing the coaches association. 

“That was pretty sweet,” Ruddy said of one last performance with both Mensing and Thieken on hand. “It was nice to have both coaches back watching me.” 

Przytula was one of several East players going both ways throughout the game, rotating in at offensive and defensive line positions. The Ferris State University recruit made a lot of friends in his short time with new teammates. 

“I got a bunch of boys up here now,” he said. 

Przytula was a four-sport athlete in high school but will narrow that down to just football in college. The All-Star game, he said, gave him a taste of playing at the next level. 

“It was a lot of fun,” he said. “I think it was a good look at what college is going to be like. It was a good look and a good feeling. These guys are good. These are all all-stars.” 

Yount had two different quarterbacks for the East throwing him passes.   

“We had like eight hours of practice, but we all love the game of football, so it was fun,” he said. “We are a little out of shape, so it was nice to get back out here.” 

The East led 14-13 going into the fourth quarter but gave up two touchdowns. The West pulled out the 26-14 game.  

“They pulled away there in the fourth quarter, but it was still a lot of fun to be here,” Yount said. 

Ruddy was also part of the halftime festivities Saturday when he was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Michigan High School Coaches Association. 

The award was presented by former MHSFCA administrator Larry Merx, a one-time coach at Erie Mason.