SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — The brightest stars of West Virginia high school football programs met in South Charleston Saturday as the North-South All-Star Football Classic unfolded at Black Eagles Stadium.

The South Cardinals crafted a hard-fought win, besting the North Bears 29-22.

Special teams provided an immediate spark for the South as Ronnie Staley’s opening kickoff return set up a rushing touchdown for Sai’Vyon Brown.

Tough defense and windy conditions kept both teams out of the end zone until the final seconds of the first half.

The Bears pieced together a drive late in the half and decided to settle for a short field goal, but the kick was blocked by Brandon Poticher and scooped up by Jeffrey King who ran 84 yards for a Cardinals touchdown.

The scoop-and-score provided South a 13-0 lead going into the break.

Early in the third frame, Cardinals quarterback Noah Collins avoided pressure and delivered a strike to Braden Clark, extending the South’s advantage to 20.

The North Bears had an immediate answer as Washington teammates Michael Thompson and Terry Rea III linked up for a 68-yard touchdown.

A quick change of possession saw Bears quarterback Cam Foley send a deep strike to Aaron Thomas, making it a one-score game as the third quarter came to a close.

The final frame saw Payton Gardinier boot a 33-yard field goal for the Cardinals, making the score 23-14.

The Bears countered with a drive capped off by an Aaron Thomas TD run. A successful 2-point conversion made the score 22-23.

Kaiden Vance looked to provide the Cardinals with insurance on the next possession, connecting with Solomon Ferrell for a passing TD.

The South made a final stand on defense to claim a victory.

MVP awards went to Bluefield's Jeffrey King for the South Cardinals and Washington's Michael Thompson for the North Bears.

To watch the entire contest, visit Eyewitness Sports on YouTube.