Varnado will be represented on the field and on the sideline in the Louisiana High School Coaches’ Association/Louisiana Football Coaches’ Association All-Star Game, as Delrick Abrams and coach Scott Shaffett will be coaching and playing in the event. The game is set for Saturday, Dec. 19 at Doug Williams Stadium in Baton Rouge with kickoff set for 1 p.m.

Both will be on the East Team.

This season, Abrams put up good numbers. He made 66 tackles and four sacks. He intercepted nine passes and forced a pair of fumbles. He scored 22 combined touchdowns between offense, defense and special teams.

The senior was named the District 8-1 defensive Most Valuable Player. He made the first team at defensive back and athlete and was a second-team receiver.

“It was a big surprise,” Abrams said. “I thought he was playing when he told me, but it was just a surprise. I was like, ‘oh thank you.’ I felt blessed. I had to call my momma, my auntie … I just felt blessed.

Abrams said it feels good playing on the same team that Shaffett will help coach.

“It’s just like high school,” he said. “You’re playing for the school. I know he’s going to coach me right and do what I have to do.”

Abrams said this season was a lot of fun.

“Had a lot of ups and downs. I had fun with my teammates and I’m going to miss that after I graduate,” Abrams said.

Shaffett, who will be an assistant for the game, helped the Wildcats reach the Class 1A playoffs once again. Like last season, the Wildcats won a game in the postseason. This year, Varnado was victorious over Tensas, 48-12, in the opening round. The Wildcats’ season came to a close the following round with a 61-20 loss to Haynesville, which reached the finals.

Shaffett said it’s an honor to be chosen by his peers to coach in the contest.

“I am looking forward to working with coach Mark Songy, Jesuit’s head football coach, along with rest of the East coaching staff,” Shaffett said. “Not only do I get to coach with some great coaches, I relish the opportunity of coaching some of the finest young athletes our state has to offer.

“Amongst those guys is Washington Parish’s very own Delrick Abrams. It’s great to get the opportunity to coach Delrick one more time before he moves on to the next level.”