High School Football

Authorities in Iowa arrested former high school football assistant coach Jason Storm after he allegedly threatened a referee during a game, according to the Des Moines Register's Andrea May Sahouri.

Storm was charged with first-degree harassment. 

During Lincoln High School's game against Dowling Catholic last Friday, Storm became upset after a helmet-to-helmet collision that involved his son. The court documents state Storm walked up to the head referee and said he'd "[expletive] kill him," per Sahouri.

Phil Roeder, a spokesman for Des Moines schools, told KCCI's Marcus McIntosh the district thought the referee missed the call.

"We think, at a minimum, they should look at this tape and this what appears to be a textbook situation where the flag should have been thrown," Roeder said. "We hope the referee realizes his mistake because, clearly, there was one. When you go back and hit replay, there it is—clearly, a big missed call there."

Storm subsequently resigned his post as assistant coach and apologized to the head coach and athletic directors from both schools, also saying he "should not have said some of the words I said." His attorney, Gary Dickey, said he didn't think anything "would rise to a criminal act."

Sahouri noted a first-degree harassment charge can be punishable with a prison sentence of up to two years. Storm is due to be arraigned Nov. 20.

Justin Hager has resigned from Mountain Pointe High School as both a teacher and the varsity girls basketball head coach after school officials found evidence he had been sharing the football team's game plans with opponents, Tempe district spokesperson Jennifer Liewer confirmed to Richard Obert of the Arizona Republic. 

"Regarding MP [Mountain Pointe], I don't have a comment," Hager texted. "Excited for another challenge and moving forward." The 2016-17 azcentral.com Girls Basketball Big Schools Coach of the Year also said he resigned to take a position elsewhere. 

However, according to Obert, Mountain Pointe football coach Rich Wellbrock was alerted by Las Vegas Faith Lutheran head football coach Vernon Fox that he had received Wellbrock's game plan via email ahead of their matchup. Hager had been a football assistant at the school since 2017.

"Sir ... I don't believe in cheating," Fox wrote back to Hager on Aug. 21, according to Clayton Klapper of Phoenix's ABC15. "We are not looking to gain an unfair advantage. We will prepare as best we can and look to have a great competitive game. Many blessings."

Obert included screenshots of other evidence, including hundreds of emails, in the Tempe Union High School District's possession, dating back to 2017.

Hager had been at Mountain Pointe since 2016. Previously, he served as the girls basketball coach at Yuma Cibola.  

Amite High School (Louisiana) football player Terrance Allen died on Tuesday after collapsing in his team's locker room. He was 15 years old. 

Per Emma Kennedy of the Advocate, Allen had been joking with teammates following an evening practice, which was held at night to avoid the heat, and collapsed soon afterwards.

According to Nicole Mumphrey of WVUE-TV, medical personnel performed CPR on Allen and got a pulse, but he died shortly before arriving at the hospital.

Results from an autopsy performed by the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office were inconclusive, per Mumphrey. No signs of trauma were present, and more testing will be done.

According to WBRZ-TV, Allen had no known medical problems.

Per Kennedy, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association and LSU football head coach Ed Orgeron both offered their condolences.

Longtime Texas high school football referee Mike Atkinson was suspended for the 2019 season by the Texas Association of Sports Officials on Tuesday for using the N-word in recorded phone conversations.

Adam Coleman and Jerome Solomon of the Houston Chronicle received a copy of the audio recordings, which were mentioned in a lawsuit filed by former TASO Houston chapter president Joe Machol, from the unnamed individual who recorded the racist remarks. 

"I thought these were private conversations between friends," Atkinson said. "I promise you with my life, using the N-word by me is true, but I will promise you with my life, my wife's life, my kids' life and everything I do, (the person who taped him) also used that word. We were back and forth. I understand what it sounds like, but I was baited into it."

Atkinson is heard on the tapes describing a visit to a Chapter and Crew Mixer in February, saying "I just went to the mixer the other day ... a bunch of f--king n----rs wanting a free meal."

The 45-year officiating veteran told the Houston Chronicle he was first informed of potential punishment in May when he was told he'd be suspended five weeks—the first two weeks of the regular season and the entirety of the three-week state football tournament.

He said his efforts to appeal were put on hold, and sources told Coleman and Solomon the decision to increase it came after push back from other TASO members.

"That's unacceptable," Houston-based official James Burkhalter told the newspaper. "Not with these kinds of blatant comments. We cannot have a guy like that, a guy who's actually been a spokesman for our chapter, as part of our group."

Atkinson must appeal to the TASO state board and the Houston chapter board for reinstatement following the 2019 campaign.

"Several TASO Houston chapter members told the Chronicle that Atkinson has long had an all-white crew and rarely adds an African-American unless it is a demand or requirement for certain playoff games," the report noted. "Often, schools involved in football playoff games will request what is known as a 'mixed crew.'"

"For more than 25 years, my crew has been on top," Atkinson said. "This is just a way to take the guy on top down. I've been on top for so long, and if they can whack me down, it pushes them up the ladder a little bit."

It's unclear whether Atkinson has recourse to appeal the latest ruling after his previous efforts were put on hold. The 2019 season is scheduled to kick off in late August.

Former T.C. Williams coach Bill Yoast, a key figure in Disney's Remember the Titans movie, died Thursday at the age of 94.

Per Alexandria City Public Schools, Yoast was living at the Aarondale Retirement and Assisted Living Community in Virginia when he died. No cause of death was given.

From 1971 to 1996, Yoast served as the T.C. Williams football team's defensive coach, also coaching the track and field and golf teams during that 25-year period. He won a regional football championship in 1969 as head coach at Francis C. Hammond High School.

In an interview with Jacob Bogage of the Washington Post, Herman Boone, the head football coach at T.C. Williams from 1971 to 1979, explained how their relationship evolved:

"No doubt, the beginning of our relationship was rocky. I didn't know Yoast. Yoast didn't know me. I knew that Hammond had no black athletes, and I didn't know if Coach Yoast had anything to do with that. But we got to [training camp] and became roommates and found a way to talk to one another.

"I think that's the formula for race relations throughout the world. People have to learn to talk to one another. You have to learn to talk to that individual, and when you talk to that individual, you learn to trust that individual, and that's the greatest gift God gave to man."

Will Patton and Denzel Washington, respectively, portrayed Yoast and Boone in the film that depicted the team's 1971 state championship season.

In addition to his work as a high school athletics coach, Yoast served three years in the Army Air Corps before moving into the Air Force.

Christopher Holliday, a football player at Jordan High School in North Carolina, scored a perfect 36 on his ACT:

Congratulations to Christopher Holliday, scholar athlete who earned the highest possible ACT composite score of 36! Christopher credits early preparation including weekly practice tests as the key to his success. 💙❤️ #WeAreDPS @DurhamPublicSch @JordanFalconsFB pic.twitter.com/phioPeyaYT

— Jordan High School (@JHSFalcons) April 24, 2019

Christopher Holliday (@Holliday_05) personifies what it means to be a student-athlete, and it’s not just his ACT that’s perfect. His GPA is as well. Christopher has never made a grade lower than A in his academic career. #FalconsRise https://t.co/JPtW0q53nZ

— Jordan Falcons (@JordanFalconsFB) April 24, 2019

Holliday, who plays cornerback for the Jordan football team, has never gotten anything less than an A and attributes his strong grades to dedication.

"If I had a homework assignment that I was being lackadaisical with I would have to do that homework assignment before I could go to practice or anything," Holliday told ABC11. "So, I realized at a young age that academics always had to come before athletics." 

Holliday said he does not know which college he plans to attend when he graduates in 2020. He also added that he wants to pursue a career in the sports business world.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School head football coach Willis May is resigning and cited his mental health following the 2018 shooting at the high school in Parkland, Florida, as the reason. 

Tom VanHaaren of ESPN.com reported the news, noting the pain of losing assistant coach Aaron Feis and athletic director Chris Hixon, who were among the 17 people who were killed, "has never left May."

Feis died after he heroically shielded students from the shooter.

"I walk into my office every day, and Aaron Feis' office is right next to me, Chris Hixon's office is right next to me, and I miss those guys with all my heart every day," May said Wednesday. "It's sad going to work every day because it hurts so bad to be without them. It's been a year and it hasn't gotten any better, so I need a change for me; I need it for my health."

Feis' family announced some of the Miami Dolphins' picks at the 2018 NFL draft alongside graduating members of the football team. ESPN’s annual award show, the ESPYs, also honored the coaches.

VanHaaren noted May will have the opportunity to coach at a different school closer to his parents in Fort Myers, Florida.

Stoneman Douglas assistant coach Quentin Short will take over as the interim coach.

IMG Academy announced Tuesday that Mark Riddell, the prep school's director of college entrance exams, has been suspended indefinitely after being indicted as part of an FBI investigation into cheating in college admissions.

Riddell, 36, was charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud.

Mark Schlabach of ESPN.com reported Riddell, a former college tennis player at Harvard, was accused of "being paid for secretly taking college entrance exams for actual students or replacing their answers with his own" following the probe into a high-profile bribery scheme.

Federal prosecutors said in the indictment that the Sarasota, Florida, native was paid $10,000 every time he took a college entrance exam or changed answers, per Schlabach.

The report noted in one instance an individual identified as Parent 1 arranged for Riddell to take a standardized test through admissions consultant William "Rick" Singer, who pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy charges in the case Tuesday, after their son became ill and was unable to take the exam. The parent provided Riddell with handwriting examples, and the IMG Academy employee proceeded to score 35 out of 36 on the test.

U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Andrew Lelling, the lead federal prosecutor on the case, described Riddell as a "really smart guy" who didn't cheat on the tests he was paid to take or fix, according to Meghan Keneally of WFTS Digital.

"He didn't have inside information about the answers, he was just smart enough to get a near perfect score on demand or to calibrate the score," Lelling said.

Prosecutors are seeking $450,000 in forfeitures from Riddell, per Schlabach.

His IMG Academy profile has been removed from the school's website amid the suspension.

Saturday's Army All-American Bowl provides a good look at some of the best players set to star in college football in 2019. 

A year ago, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who leads the Tigers into Monday's National Championship against Alabama, was the top name participating in the game played in San Antonio, Texas. 

The rosters for the 2019 Army All-American Bowl feature the top player in the 247 Sports composite rankings and players who are expected to make an impact in the fall at marquee programs. 

While most recruits playing in Saturday's game have their respective futures figured out, there are some players who still have their options open, and a few of them will close the recruiting process Saturday. 

                   

Top Recruits

Nolan Smith, DE, Committed to Georgia

No. 1 overall recruit Nolan Smith is expected to make an impact the second he steps on Georgia's campus. 

Before he joins up with Kirby Smart's team, Smith has an opportunity to showcase his skill set in front of a national audience. 

In addition to earning the title of top prospect in the class of 2019, Smith was named the Anthony Munoz Lineman of the Year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAD0KJLLDCk

Smith's speed at the line of scrimmage separates him from the rest of the high school seniors at his position.

His ability to get to the quarterback will be welcomed by the Bulldogs, who will try to get back to the National Championship for the second time in three years in 2019. 

When the Bulldogs run into Alabama, they'll have an asset in Smith, who should be able to put Tua Tagovailoa under pressure, which is something few defensive players have been able to do. 

                       

Jadon Haselwood, WR, Uncommitted

Georgia, Florida State, Miami, Oklahoma and Tennessee are still in the mix for wide receiver Jadon Haselwood, who will make his commitment public during Saturday's game.

Haselwood, who is the No. 6 player in the 247 Sports rankings, is the top uncommitted recruit in the class of 2019. 

Georgia's been an intriguing option all along with Haselwood since he's a Georgia native, but Oklahoma's explosive offense may be too good to pass up. 

Of the five schools Haselwood is deciding from, the Sooners boast the most dynamic offense, even with Kyler Murray not returning next season.

However, the developments of the last 24 hours in Athens, Georgia might be able to sway Haselwood. 

Wide receivers Riley Ridley and Mecole Hardman declared for the NFL draft Friday, which leaves a hole at the position for the Bulldogs to fill. 

Georgia might make a late push for Haselwood's signature, but Oklahoma appears to be the favorite going into Saturday. 

                     

Daxton Hill, S, Committed to Michigan

The last time Daxton Hill was in the spotlight, he ended a wild two weeks by committing to Michigan.

Hill originally made a verbal commitment to the Wolverines before switching his decision to Alabama and then going back to the Wolverines during the December signing period. 

Hill said signing the letter of intent to go to Michigan took a lot of pressure off his shoulders, per 247 Sports' Josh Newkirk.

"It was a big relief," Hill said. "I can just focus now on what I have in the future. Just academically and athletically, I can focus on that and enjoy my senior year."

The five-star safety, who is the No. 8 prospect in the nation, is one of three future Wolverines participating in the Army All-American Bowl. 

When he gets to Ann Arbor, Michigan, Hill should make an impact on a defense that held opponents to single digits on four occasions in 2018. 

                             

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.

Recruiting information obtained from 247 Sports. 

Some of the nation's top college football recruits will converge on the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday for the 2019 All-American Bowl.

A year ago, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and Texas defensive back Caden Sterns were among the top prospects participating in one of the high-profile showcases for high school football players. 

The collection of players participating in Saturday's edition of the All-American Bowl include the top player in the 247 Sports composite rankings and a few stars ready to depart for the collegiate level in the coming weeks. 

There are also a handful of uncommitted players taking part in Saturday's game, and some of them will make their college decisions during the event. 

                       

2019 All-American Bowl Information

Date: Saturday, January 5

Start Time: 1 p.m. ET 

TV: NBC 

                 

Rosters

The rosters for the All-American Bowl can be found on the game's official website. 

                

Top Recruits

Nolan Smith, DE, Committed to Georgia

The No. 1 recruit on the class of 2019 is one of a few highly-rated defensive linemen on the East roster. 

Nolan Smith, who is the marquee player in Georgia's second-ranked recruiting class, should split time pressuring the West quarterbacks with Alabama commit Antonio Alfano and Ohio State commit Zach Harrison. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAD0KJLLDCk

After participating in the All-American Bowl, Smith is off to Athens, Georgia, where he will enroll and get acclimated to head coach Kirby Smart's program. 

Smith has expressed plenty of excitement about his upcoming move between the hedges and trying to get Georgia back to the National Championship, per Rusty Mansell of 247Sports:

"We just have to come in and work, we feel like we are the tipping stone class. We are either going to get that National Championship at one point or that opportunity is going to leave us.

"We have to be just really careful how we tip this. I am just excited to be coached by the best defensive mind in the game in coach (Kirby) Smart. He is going to make sure we help in the right way."

Smith is one of four players from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, playing in San Antonio, and he's one of 13 participants who played their high school football in the Sunshine State. 

Trey Sanders, RB, Committed to Alabama

Smith's IMG Academy teammate is headed to the other side of the rivalry dominating the SEC at the moment. 

While he still has to play in one more high school showcase, five-star running back Trey Sanders already has his eyes on Alabama's running back competition, per USA Today's Logan Newman. 

"I just want to be an every-down back, man," he said. "Run the ball, I want to be able to catch, block, everything. Name it, I want to do it. I want to be unstoppable."

Before he competes for time alongside Najee Harris and other stars at the position in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Sanders has a chance to showcase his talents against some of the best defensive players in the nation. 

In San Antonio, he has an opportunity to go up against players he'll see in the SEC West next season, such as Texas A&M recruit DeMarvin Leal and LSU's Siaki Ika.

                     

Bru McCoy, WR, Uncommitted

Bru McCoy is one of the top recruits set to make his college choice Saturday. 

USC and Texas have an advantage over UCLA, Washington and Oklahoma in McCoy's recruiting process, per USA Today's Newman. 

"Both of them are at a spot where they have potential," he said. "SC, a lot of people look at it more negatively, but I think they still have a high ceiling and a lot of room to grow. They got a young team, a young quarterback." 

It's easy to see USC as a perfect fit for McCoy because his former high school teammate, J.T. Daniels, is the Trojans' starting quarterback.

The addition of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury should also help USC, as the former Texas Tech head coach is seen as one of the best offensive minds in the nation. 

Of course, Texas carries a ton of intrigue as well, as quarterback Sam Ehlinger should take another step up in his junior season after beating Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. 

With extra attention on him because of his commitment, McCoy has an opportunity to marvel with his new college fanbase watching intently. 

              

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.

Recruiting information obtained from 247Sports.