Taylor Hughes probably thought his high school football career was over when Chilton County lost to Briarwood on Nov. 6, 2009, in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs.

Hughes, a quarterback, had thoughts of going on to play in college, but a new opportunity arose that could benefit Hughes in many ways.

Hughes was invited last week to play in the football game that is part of the annual Alabama All-Star Sports Week.

CCHS assistant coach Jon Clements was able to tell Hughes what to expect, having participated in All-Star Week while an athlete at Jemison in 2002.

“He’s going to get a chance to play with the best seniors in the state,” Clements said. “I told him it’s going to be a different breed of football. You kind of have to step up your game.”

Hughes will play for the South team in a game that is a centerpiece of All-Star Week, which lasts from July 14-16 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville.

Other than practices that could help him prepare for a college career, Hughes will also listen to various speakers.

Clements, who coached quarterbacks for CCHS, said Hughes’ selection makes sense.

“You look for somebody that’s a winner,” Clements said. “I’ve never been around a kid that’s more of a winner than he is.

“To me, that’s what separates him from a lot of kids his age—just his will to win and to get better. There’s nobody, in my opinion, more deserving than him.”

Since he last competed on a football field, Hughes has been through an entire basketball season and half of a baseball season. Will the transition be difficult?

“I’m about ready to drop everything and put the pads back on anyway,” Hughes said. “It should be fun.”