[7/16/04]RAYMOND Having cut his football teeth in the Vicksburg-Warren Central series, Jason Williams knows a thing or two about rivalries.

This week, the former Warren Central safety is getting a refresher course as he prepares for the Bernard Blackwell All Star Football Classic.

Both the North and South all-stars are staying and practicing at Hinds Community College this week. It’s the first time both teams have stayed at the same junior college the week of the game, and it has led to several trash-talking run-ins.

“The North and South, we ain’t been getting along. We see each other, we’re looking all mean and looking crazy at each other. It’s wild, man, it’s wild,” Williams, a Southwest Mississippi Community College signee said with a smile. “We try to do what we can to let those boys know we’ll be ready for them. They try to get back, though. They’ll see you by yourself somewhere and holler something. It’s all right, though. It’s all fun.”

The game itself, the 55th edition of the meeting between Mississippi’s all-stars, will be played tonight at 7 p.m. at Madison Central. Admission is $5. The North won last year’s game, 10-6.

Williams, who had 50 tackles and a county-best seven interceptions for the Vikings in 2003, figures to get plenty of playing time for the North. He is one of only five defensive backs on the roster, and will start at free safety.

“I think he’s very athletic,” said North assistant coach Lance Pogue, of Eupora, who is coaching the team’s secondary this week. “I’ve noticed he’s got a real physical side to him. He’ll hit you. And he runs well. You put all of that combination together, and that’s what you look for in a free safety. I think he’s got a bright future in the game.”