The Huntsville Item, Huntsville, TX

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March 12, 2010

Huntsville's Baggett jumps at chance to play in Space City Classic

By Tom Waddill The Huntsville Item

HUNTSVILLE — Out of the blue, Huntsville senior Forbes Baggett got some good news Tuesday.

An all-district offensive and defensive lineman, Baggett received an invitation to play in the Space City Classic, an all-star football game featuring Houston-area players. The game is scheduled Saturday evening at Delmar Stadium in Houston.

“Coach (Shane Martin) pulled me out of class and told me somebody got hurt and they were looking for another offensive lineman,” Baggett said Thursday evening before working out with other Houston-area all-stars. “I was ready to strap it up and go to work again.”

Martin got a phone call Tuesday morning from a Space City Classic organizer who was interested in Baggett. As soon as his coach told him about the opportunity, Baggett said count him in.

“To be able to tell a young man that and see the thrill in his face is priceless,” Martin said. “Forbes said, ‘Heck yeah, I’ll play.’

“It’s a great honor to be picked for this game. Really and truly we feel like Forbes deserves this. We’re very, very pleased for him.”

Baggett, who signed a scholarship offer from Sam Houston State last month, is excited about Saturday’s game. 

“I’m feeling good because I’ve been in the weight room a lot,” Baggett said. “I get to strap on the pads one more time in high school.”

Baggett is the latest Hornet who has been invited to play in an all-star football game.

Jared Williams, who is playing at Rice now, competed in the 2008 Space City Classic, where he earned the Academic Award for having the highest grade point average of the all-star players.

Kirby Ennis, who is playing at Texas A&M, played for the Texas All-Stars in the Bayou Bowl following his senior season.

Adam Ayala and James Davidson, teammates at UTEP, were invited to the Space City Classic last year, but they chose not to play.

“Forbes is just the next one in a running tradition of Hornets playing in all-star games,” Martin said. “I know Forbes will go down there and represent Huntsville well.”

Tickets for the game are available online at spacecityclassic.net for $8.

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