Local high school football players a month removed from graduation will get their last opportunity to represent their respective sections tonight in the North Country All-Star Football Classic.

The game, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Tupper Lake, will kick off at 7:05 p.m. at Frank Tice Field located at L.P. Quinn School.

Players selected by their coaches from Section VII and Section X will compete, with Section VII representing the East team and Section X wearing the West team uniform.

Rotary Club member and Chairman of the event Rick Dattola said coaches, players and organizers are "looking forward to a really good game," and have been extremely cooperative in making the event happen.

Saranac Lake assistant coach Eric Bennett, who is coaching the East team, said the Section VII players have been very committed to the team during the month leading up to the game.

"They weren't kids trying to make the minimum amount of practices," he said. "They were fully present and unless there were extenuating circumstances, they made it a point to be there."

He added that the players recognize that they will represent the whole section and not just their schools.

Tonight's game is the fifth annual event.

The Tupper Lake Rotary Club, which has put the game together every year of its existence, is also responsible for building the 10-year-old field in which it is played on.

"I commend the Rotary Club for organizing the game," Bennett said. "I think its great for North Country football. It's a way to recognize the effort that the kids have put in throughout the year, and it gives them one more chance to play a game in a similar atmosphere."

Tupper Lake Rotary Club member Mark Moeller, who has helped organize the event, said turnout has improved each year.

"Each year it grows because the players go back and talk it up at their home town," he said. "This year we have 17 schools, and that's very good participation."

Canton coach Dave Bradmen will be leading Section X in the game.

"He's a great guy," Dattola said. "He really cares about North Country football. From the day we wanted to do this, he was right on board wanting to help any way he can."

Bennett said those in attendance should see a good mix between the run and pass from the East.