Published: June 26, 2008 12:40 am            

FOOTBALL: Jeff's Zelli to play in Indiana North-South Classic

By now, Chris Zelli thought he could close the book on his Jeffersonville High School football career and begin focusing on the next step in his career on the gridiron.

But a pleasant surprise for the defensive standout will allow him to extend his prep career for one more night.

Zelli will represent the Red Devils one final time when he takes part in the 2008 Indiana Football Coaches Association North-South Classic.

The contest will be played on July 18 at North Central High School in Indianapolis, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

“To be real honest, it was a thrill when I found out I was selected,” Zelli said. “It felt like a reward for all the work that you put into your career. All the practice, all the game days — I had never missed a practice or a game and I feel like this is a reward for all of that.”

Zelli was the lone player from Clark and Floyd counties selected to the 2008 South squad. He was nominated by a panel of coaches from District V and then voted into the game by a group of coaches from across the state.

Zelli had 57 tackles during the 2007 season and set a new school record in sacks with 14. He also led the team in tackles for loss (11). Zelli recorded three fumble recoveries and returned one for a touchdown as well last season.

Zelli holds the JHS career record in tackles for loss with eight and is No. 6 all-time with 124 unassisted tackles.

Following the North-South Classic, Zelli will move on to play at Franklin College. The Grizzlies are the reigning champions of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference, finishing the season 9-2 before falling in the first round of the NCAA Division III national tournament last fall.

“We’ll have a lot of players coming back from last year’s team, and the coaching staff there is committed to building a strong tradition,” Zelli said. “The pieces look to be in place there for the program to really go places.”

        

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