Former Kerens two-way standout Jason Russell said the West Texas heat felt like an oven last week as he and his teammates prepared for the 57th Greenbelt Bowl All-Star Classic in Childress.

The all-state selection did not overcook among some of the state’s best football players as he earned the W.C. (Hoot) Voyles Award — and a $250 scholarship — after being selected for the honor by coaches and peers for his effort during the game and relationships established during the week prior to the game.

Russell’s South squad lost, 12-9, but that did not keep the soon-to-be Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusader from having a good time.

“I had a lot of fun,” said Russell, who will play in Belton with high school teammate Fred Cumby. “All of the guys were real cool. It was fun to spend a week with them. ...

“The coaches made it a lot of fun. They told us, ‘It’s not the Army. It’s just an all-star game.’ For most of the guys it was their last high school game.”

Russell arrived in Childress last Tuesday to check in and started practice the same day. Russell, who was tabbed to play linebacker for the South team, ended up practicing at fullback as well and even had a pass thrown his way during the game.

“They threw a bootleg pass to me,” said Russell, who almost made a sliding catch. “We had five linebackers that were supposed to rotate every three plays. I got a lot of playing time. I made a few tackles. They had a good running back.”

Russell said he enjoyed the atmosphere and the competition. The all-stars put their talent on display in front of coaches from NCAA Division II schools West Texas A&M;, Angelo State University, Abilene Christian University and Midwestern State University, just to name a few.

The South squad was led by the Ranger Junior College coaching staff, while Kansas Wesleyan University coaches directed the North team.

“The players were mostly from 3A schools,” Russell said. “There were not many 1A players. There were some players here and there from 2A schools. All of the receivers and some of the defensive backs and linemen were from 4A and 5A schools. ...

“All around, I think it was pretty evenly matched. It seemed like everyone was on the same level. No one really stood out, but their running back was a difference-maker.”

Russell’s grandparents made the long trip from Tyler, as did his father, James — a Kerens assistant coach — Kerens head coach Mike Loveless, Bobcats assistant coach Jayson Engel and William Pevey, who coached Jason at Mildred his freshman and sophomore year.

“It was a spur-of-the-moment thing (for my grandparents),” Russell said. “It meant a lot to me. Coach Pevey came from Fort Stockton.”

Russell is required to report Aug. 14 to Mary Hardin-Baylor. The Crusaders will start the regular season Sept. 9 in Newport News, Va., against Christopher Newport University. UMHB opens American Southwest Conference play Sept. 16 at home against Sul Ross State.

Former Dawson standouts Isaac Shaw and Trina Lusk also played for Mary Hardin-Baylor. The Crusaders finished 9-2 overall last season as they returned to the NCAA Division III playoffs and captured their third ASC crown in four years. Pete Fredenburg’s squad advanced to the national championship game in 2004 and ended up No. 2 in the final NCAA Division III poll.

Both Russell and Cumby had signed with Chuck Lawrence’s Bulldogs in February, but the veteran Navarro coach and Greenbelt Bowl mainstay understood Russell’s change of heart. Russell committed to UMHB during track season after visiting Belton with Cumby.

“I wanted my word to be my word,” Russell said. “Coach Lawrence totally understood. He put in a good word to help get me in the Greenbelt Bowl. ... I really liked the guys at Mary Hardin-Baylor when I visited. I fit in with them. That was the big thing.”

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Chris Smith may be contacted via e-mail at csmith@corsicanadailysun.com