SouthƵs Tristan Watts of Spring Valley High School speaks at North-South football Media Day at West Virginia State University on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
SouthƵs Tristan Watts of Spring Valley High School speaks at North-South football Media Day at West Virginia State University on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
INSTITUTE, W.Va. Ƶ Blue versus Red isnƵt just a political rivalry for Tristan Watts.
The Spring Valley High School defensive lineman plays for the red-clad South Cardinals against the blue-sporting North Bears at noon on Saturday in the West Virginia High School Football Coaches Ƶsociation All-Star Game at South Charleston High School.
While some players are in the game just to have fun, Watts takes a more serious approach. He said he wants to emerge victorious.
ƵItƵs definitely the main part of this,Ƶ Watts said. ƵItƵs a lot of fun, but I definitely want to win. IƵm enjoying it all.Ƶ
The South leads the all-time series 42-25-3, but the North has won six of the last eight. The Cardinals prevailed 21-20 last season.
Watts, a 6-foot, 260-pound defensive end, was a stalwart on a Spring Valley team that went 8-4 last season and advanced two rounds deep in the playoffs. He made 45 tackles, four for losses, and three sacks last season.
ƵI love it,Ƶ Watts said of playing defense. ƵYou have more free will. ItƵs all go, go, go, here. On the offensive line, you have to sit back and wait for the defender to make his move first. On the defense, you get to bring the action to them.Ƶ
Playing for the Timberwolves, Watts has played against strong competition, so the challenge likely wonƵt be too big Saturday.
ƵItƵs not,Ƶ Watts said. ƵA lot of these guys IƵve had to watch film on and prepare for. IƵve heard a lot of their names from my coaches already.Ƶ
Watts signed to play at Marietta College, where he plans to major in health sciences with an eye on becoming a physical therapist.
ƵI picked it mainly from sports, seeing trainers and all that,Ƶ Watts said. ƵI always thought that was cool, all the therapy and recovery. I like to work with people.Ƶ
Spring Valley coach Brad Dingess said heƵs not surprised Watts wants to help people nor that he was selected for the North-South game.
ƵHeƵs a great player and teammate,Ƶ Dingess said. ƵItƵs an honor to coach him, and I canƵt wait to watch him play in this game.Ƶ
Watts said he was humbled to be selected.
ƵThis game definitely means a lot to me,Ƶ Watts said. ƵItƵs an honor to play in it with all these great players from across the state. ItƵs a great experience.Ƶ
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