Advertisement

Neumayer, who will attend Central Michigan University this fall, but is not playing football, had a record-setting season last fall for the Redskins. He broke the school record for receptions in a season with 52, totaling 698 yards and six touchdowns. The 6'2", 190 pound wide receiver, though, never got a look in Saturday's contest.

Neumayer's East Squad won the game, 9-0, on three field goals. The game was played in the rain most of the time and the East coaches opted to keep the ball on the ground.

"We actually didn't pass much, maybe five or six times," said Neumayer with some disappointment. "In the second half, the rain really started coming down.

The East actually completed five of nine pass attempts for just 33 yards. Meanwhile, the defensive game saw Neumayer's team rush for 185 yards.

Still, Neumayer was happy to be part of the game. The 44 players on each squad were in East Lansing practicing together for a week.

"It was a fantastic experience for me. There were great guys on my team and I got to hang out with them," said Neumayer. All players were able to keep their game jerseys and also received other All-Star T-shirts, caps, shorts, duffle bag and a program.

Neumayer added that there were few similarities to the brand of football he had been a part of in the Thumb Area for the last few seasons.

"Just the environment was way different than up here," he said. The biggest difference, he added, "The speed of the game is something else."

Neumayer was asked if he adjusted to that speed as the week went on, and he responded frankly, and with a smile. "No. Not really. I thought I had decent speed before. Then I got thereÉ. I was slow." He noted that one of the receivers on his team is going to Ohio State on a track scholarship as a sprinter.

Neumayer also played on special teams and did deliver a key block on a kick return.

Three other Thumb area players joined Neumayer on the East squad -- Jason Volmering of Harbor Beach (offensive lineman), Isaac Zimmer of Reese (defensive back, who was in on two tackles and one pass break-up) and Alex Wagner of Capac (defensive lineman).