GATESVILLE – Clark Harrell convinced the North Carolina Coaches Association something no one has in recent years.

That is the fact that people in northeastern North Carolina know how to play high school football as well as anyone in the state.

Harrell, who is an assistant on the East team for this year’s East-West game, helped convince head coach Greg Thomas to put four local players on this year’s team.

&uot;We can play football in the northeastern corner of the state too,&uot; Harrell said. &uot;I think these four young men deserved the chance to represent their schools and our area in this very prestigious game.&uot;

Joining Harrell on the East team will be:

* Graylen Boone of Gates County High School

Boone is a 6′ – 1&uot;, 165-pound defensive back and quarterback. He led the Red Barons on both sides of the football in 2005 and was named to the All-Conference team.

Boone is projected to play on the defensive side of the football during the East-West game in July.

* LaMarcus Bond of Hertford County High School

Bond was chosen All-Northeastern Coastal Conference after a senior season in which he led the Roanoke-Chowan area in special teams categories and led the Bears in offensive production.

Bond, a 5′-9&uot;, 180-pounder who signed a full scholarship with North Carolina State University, will play on special teams and offense.

* Melvin Rogers of Northampton County High School – East

Rogers, a 6′-4&uot;, 318-pound tackle who played offense and defense for the Rams, is a standout offensive lineman.

He was the 2005 All-Roanoke-Chowan Offensive Player of the Year and has signed to play next season at Winston-Salem State University.

* Joe Huff of Northampton County High School – West

Huff, who was the area’s most dominant offensive lineman, will join Rogers at Winston-Salem State next season after signing a full scholarship to attend the school.

A 6′-3&uot;, 335-pounder, Huff paved the way for the Hurricanes’ run to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association state championship appearance.

The East-West game is slated for July 19 in Greensboro.