Five Woodstock seniors had the opportunity to play together one final time on Sunday, Nov. 23rd, on the Southern Vermont squad in the 24th annual North/South All-Star Football Classic. Despite their best efforts, the North eased their way to a 55-20 victory at a snowy Norwich University.
Representing the Wasps were seniors Asher Emery, Aksel Oates, Rowan Larmie, Dominic Palazzo, and Brody McGaffigan. In order to be selected, each was nominated by the Woodstock coaching staff, then chosen by the South squad’s head coach, Adam Perry of Fair Haven High School.
“It was amazing,” said Palazzo on being selected. “I was kind of shocked at first, didn’t think I was gonna make it, but I did.” This sentiment was echoed by his peers. “I was very excited to be honest,” said McGaffigan. “I didn’t expect it, but I guess I had a good enough year to get selected. I was just in awe; it was very cool to have another week to play football.”
One more week of playing football with their friends created a lot of excitement for the players. “Getting to play one more week with all my friends was really meaningful to me,” said Larmie. “I was very happy,” said Emery. “Exciting to get to play another week with my friends.”
From left: Dominic Palazzo, Brody McGaffigan, Asher Emery, Head Coach Ramsey Worrell and his son, Aksel Oates, and Rowan Larmie. Tyler Maheu Photo
The five student-athletes spent the past week traveling to practice together, going out for meals, and creating camaraderie with former foes turned teammates. “My favorite part was meeting the guys,” recalled Emery. “Some of our rivals we bonded with the most, the Bellows Falls guys.” Palazzo admitted to being nervous at first, knowing he would have to play together with former opponents. But that anxiety soon washed away. “We kind of forgot the season for the most part, and just focused on trying to do our best in this game.” Despite falling to Bellows Falls last week in the state title game, multiple Wasps noted that they bonded quickly with the Terriers throughout the week.
Following pregame introductions, there was a game to be played. Oates, who served as a captain for the South, led the first offensive group onto the field. “It was super cool to be a captain for this team,” he said. “It was kind of a team of captains; we’re all leaders out there. It was cool to be named and looked at as a captain on this team.” The Woodstock quarterback started strong, going two-for-two passing on the drive, including a 19-yard catch and run to Larmie. The tight end caught the ball in open space and bowled towards the goal line, being stopped just one yard short. “It was amazing,” he said. “Me and Aksel have been playing together for a long time, five years now. Me and him are boys.”
One play later, Rutland’s Grady Gallagher punched the ball into the endzone to put the South on top 6-0. Emery handled the South’s kicking duties and played on the first defensive unit. On the ensuing drive, the North took the lead on a 22-yard touchdown pass from Essex High School’s Sam Bent to the SeaWolves’ Jack Foster.
The Northern unit scored two more touchdowns to go up 21-6, before Oates closed the gap late in the second quarter. Following a fourth-down conversion, the Wasp tossed his first of two touchdowns to Chase Razanouski of Otter Valley. The score and two-point conversion closed the gap to 21-14. But, the North answered quickly, taking a 28-14 lead into the half.
While the North continued to roll on offense, amassing 55 points, the Wasps found other ways to shine. Emery showed off his strong boot, with three punts totaling 120 yards. Larmie proved his blocking prowess, setting a strong edge for his team’s runners. Palazzo and McGaffigan played together on the second offensive unit, and both blocked well.
Oates was able to throw for another score late, again to Razanouski, helping the South team reach 20 points. As the clock ran down and the snow fell harder, the North claimed the 55-20 win. But the game meant more to the players than the final score. “It felt amazing representing Woodstock,” said Palazzo. “I’ve spent so many years in Woodstock sports, and representing Woodstock felt like an honor.”
Emery continued, “It was my pleasure to play for Woodstock. I’ve been living here my whole life. It’s always fun to represent those colors and everyone that lives in Woodstock.”
McGaffigan reflected on his Woodstock experience. “I’ve made a lot of good friends throughout the years,” he said, explaining that he moved to Vermont in 7th grade. “So, coming into my first high school year, I made a lot of good friends and had a lot of fun with my coaches. It’s been an honor.” Following the final buzzer, he couldn’t yet pinpoint his emotions. “They haven’t set in yet,” he said after a long pause. “Maybe in a year. Maybe next fall season, when I’m not out here, I’ll start to feel something. Right now, I’m just happy to have had a little bit more fun out here with my guys.”
While none of the players have set future plans, all five are looking towards colleges. Larmie and Oates both said they would be interested in playing football at the next level.
With the win, the North squad has now won four in a row, with the South’s last victory coming in 2021. Overall, the North currently owns the matchup, with a record of 14-10.
