Levi Giles left his mark in his final game representing the La Center football team.
As one of three Wildcats playing in Earl Barden Classic on Saturday in Yakima, Giles, a wide receiver and defensive back, earned Offensive MVP honors for the West team in the annual all-star game featuring the top seniors in Class 2A, 1A, 2B and 1B.
Giles, along with La Center teammates Davari Grauer (wide receiver) and Clayton Muffett (offensive line), were all starters on the West team in a game the East team ultimately won 8-6 in overtime.
Other local players selected for the Earl Barden Classic included Liam Atkin (Washougal), Mateo Varona (Hudson’s Bay) and Zack Ziegler (Mark Morris).
The game was the culmination of a week-long event that included activities and two practices each day, where players were tasked with learning a new offensive playbook and defensive scheme in a short amount of time.
For the West team, Giles finished with five carries for 27 yards and had a 9-yard reception. Giles and Grauer were also tabbed as the team’s kick and punt returners, replicating a dangerous tandem with La Center last fall. Giles was also voted by teammates as one of the West team captains.
A defensive struggle for 60 scoreless minutes of regulation meant both teams started 10 yards from the end zone in overtime.
Royal’s Kaleb Hernandez scored a 3-yard rushing touchdown and successful two-point conversion for the East team. The West team responded with a Jaden McElravy (Montesano) 1-yard touchdown run, but the East team stuffed the ensuing two-point conversion short of the goal line to seal the win.
